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Amnesty International condemns Nigeria’s crackdown on peaceful protests
Amnesty International, on Wednesday, called on the Nigerian government to put an end to its repression of peaceful protests, citing the country’s worst economic crisis in three decades.
The organization’s plea comes after youths gathered on October 1 to draw attention to the economic hardship, hunger, and high cost of living faced by many Nigerians
Isa Sanusi, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, condemned the government’s actions, stating, “The Nigerian authorities must end their repressive approach to peaceful protests and listen to critics… Yesterday, people that turned out to peacefully protest were met with unnecessary and excessive use of tear gas and arbitrary arrests.”
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Sanusi highlighted the arrests of protest organizers in Kano and Plateau, with five still held in an unknown location in Abuja without access to lawyers or family.
Key Concerns
– Excessive Force: Amnesty International criticized the government’s use of tear gas and arbitrary arrests to quell protests.
– Human Rights Violations: The organization condemned the detention of protest organizers without access to legal representation or family.
– Economic Hardship: Sanusi emphasized the struggles of millions of Nigerians who cannot afford food, healthcare, or education.
Sanusi urged the government to address the root causes of the protests, including corruption and mismanagement, rather than silencing critics.
“The government must stop using security personnel to deprive people of the right to peaceful protest and pay attention to the real grievances that triggered the protests,” he said.
Demands
– Immediate Release: Amnesty International calls for the unconditional release of all arrested protesters.
– Drop Treason Charges: The organization demands that the government drop bogus treason charges against August protest participants.
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