Amnesty Int’l condemns proscription of IMN, says move meant to conceal killing of Shi’ites

The proscription of Shi’ite group, Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) has been condemned by rights group, Amnesty International.

According to Amnesty International, the move by the Federal Government of Nigeria was made to conceal the killing of over 350 Shiite’s in Kaduna in 2015.

The rights group also added in a statement issued on Wednesday that the proscription of IMN is a deliberate attempt to divert attention from crucial issues affecting the country.

The statement by Amnesty International signed by its Nigerian spokesperson, Isa Sanusi reads in part, “Amnesty International is concerned that Nigerian authorities are increasingly depriving members of Islamic Movement in Nigeria of freedom of religion and freedom of association.

“The proscription of IMN is a deliberate attempt to divert attention from crucial issues including; justice for the massacre of over 350 in Zaria in December 2015 as well many other IMN supporters killed by security agencies over the years.”

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Amnesty International also accused the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration of turning a blind eye on the disappearance of many Shi’ites and blatantly refusing to release the leader of the IMN, Sheik Ibraheem El-Zakzaky.

“Many members of IMN have been missing since 2015; their families and relatives are yet to know their fate and their search for justice has been largely ignored by Nigerian authorities.

“Despite Federal High Court order of December 2016, Nigerian authorities have continued to keep Sheik Ibraheem El-Zakzaky in unlawful detention and his bail application perpetually delayed, despite repeated concerns over deterioration of his health.

“The fact that authorities have not indicated any attempt to investigate and ensure justice in all incidences involving IMN clearly shows a government resolve to deprive them of their fundamental human rights.

“We insist that Nigerian authorities ensure justice in all cases involving all Nigerians, including IMN.”

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