Activists Face Mass Trial Amid Hunger Protest: Amnesty International Raises Concerns

Activists Face Mass Trial Amid Hunger Protest: Amnesty International Raises Concerns

Amnesty International has strongly condemned the planned mass trial of hundreds of protesters arrested during the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests held from August 1 to 10, 2024. In a statement released on Monday, Isa Sanusi, the Country Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, criticized the Nigerian government’s actions, calling the trials a blatant attempt to suppress dissent and silence critical voices…….CONTINUE READING 

“Amnesty International is deeply concerned that the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protesters arraigned nationwide today are being subjected to yet another round of the government’s unrelenting efforts to punish protesters and demonize protests,” Sanusi stated.

Sanusi further expressed alarm over the severity of the charges being brought against the protesters, including treason, which carries the death penalty, and accusations of planning to destabilize Nigeria. He described these charges as “blatantly trumped-up” and called for their immediate withdrawal.

“These charges are clearly fabricated and must be immediately withdrawn,” he insisted.

Amnesty International also condemned the nature of the trials, denouncing them as a sham even before they had commenced. The organization urged an immediate halt to what it termed “endless bizarre attempts” to deprive citizens of their right to peaceful protest.

“We condemn these sham trials even before they begin and demand an end to these ongoing attempts to deprive people of their right to peaceful protest,” Sanusi declared. He emphasized that the protesters, who took to the streets last month seeking good governance, are now being unfairly targeted in a disguised effort to punish dissenters.

The rights group also called on the Nigerian government to release all those detained during the protests, stressing that their right to peaceful assembly should be protected, not criminalized.

“The Nigerian authorities must immediately and unconditionally release all those arrested from August 1 to 10 for exercising their right to peaceful assembly, instead of subjecting them to an unfair trial in a misguided attempt to justify their unlawful detention,” Sanusi demanded.

Amnesty International also criticized the government’s failure to address the violent crackdown on protesters in various regions, where dozens were killed and many others subjected to severe violations by security forces.

“The Nigerian government has prioritized punishing protesters without addressing the urgent need to investigate the killings of dozens of protesters across Kano, Katsina, Suleja/Tafa, Jigawa, and Maiduguri,” Sanusi remarked. He added that many protesters had faced other horrific violations by security personnel, including excessive use of force and misuse of tear gas.

Sanusi highlighted the ongoing human rights violations faced by the detained protesters, including denial of access to family, legal assistance, and medical care.

“Since the arrests of the protesters, Amnesty International has been receiving disturbing reports of the violation of the rights of those detained, including denial of access to family, legal assistance, and medical care where needed,” Sanusi said.

The organization urged the Nigerian government to uphold the rule of law and focus on addressing the country’s pressing issues, such as insecurity, corruption, and widespread poverty.

“We urge the Nigerian authorities to end this mockery of the rule of law. The authorities must uphold and protect fundamental human rights,” Sanusi emphasized. “Instead of investing in desperate attempts to punish dissent, the government should listen to critics and address rampant insecurity, corruption, and mismanagement. Rescuing millions of Nigerians from the brink of starvation should be the government’s top priority, not punishing protesters,” he added.

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