Amnesty International has issued a strong condemnation of the planned mass trial of hundreds of protesters arrested during the recent #EndBadGovernance demonstrations held from August 1 to 10, 2024. The organization labeled the charges against the protesters as “blatantly trumped-up” and called for their immediate withdrawal.
In a statement released on Monday, Amnesty International Nigeria’s Country Director, Isa Sanusi, criticized the Nigerian government’s handling of the situation, accusing it of persistently trying to punish and demonize protestors. Sanusi emphasized that the government’s actions are a blatant misuse of the criminal justice system to silence dissent.
“The Nigerian authorities must immediately and unconditionally release all those arrested from 1-10 August for exercising their right to peaceful assembly,” Sanusi stated. “The charges filed against them, ranging from treason to allegations of planning to destabilize Nigeria, are nothing more than a mockery of the rule of law.”
Amnesty International’s statement, titled “Nigeria: Sham Trial of Protesters Mocks Rule of Law,” highlighted concerns that the protesters, who had taken to the streets demanding good governance, were being subjected to unfair trials designed to justify their detention. The organization also raised alarm over reports of rights violations against those detained, including denial of access to family, legal assistance, and necessary medical care.
In a related development, the Coalition for Democratic Accountability and Electoral Reform (CODER), a civil rights group advocating for justice and electoral reforms, also called on President Bola Tinubu to release all detained protesters. CODER described their detention as a blatant violation of fundamental human rights and an attempt to silence dissenting voices.
Chief Peter Ameh, CODER’s national chairman, urged the administration to address the underlying issues that led to the protests, such as corruption, inequality, and social injustice. He emphasized that the continued detention of these individuals tarnishes Nigeria’s democratic values and betrays the trust placed in the government.
“The right to protest is a fundamental human right recognized under various international and regional instruments,” Ameh stated. “Your administration has failed to respect these principles in its engagement with peaceful protesters.”
Both Amnesty International and CODER urged the Nigerian government to focus on addressing the systemic issues raised by the protesters, rather than resorting to punitive measures. They called for the immediate release of all detainees and the cessation of what they described as a “mockery of the rule of law.”
The planned trials have sparked widespread criticism both domestically and internationally, with human rights organizations warning that the Nigerian government’s approach could further undermine the country’s democratic values and escalate tensions. As the situation unfolds, all eyes remain on the government’s next move and its commitment to upholding the rights of its citizens