Amnesty International urges Nigerian government to end “sham trials” of #EndBadGovernance protesters

Amnesty International has condemned the planned mass trial of hundreds of protesters arrested during the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests held from 1-10 August 2024, demanding that “the patently fabricated charges against them be immediately dropped.”

In a statement released on Monday, Amnesty International Nigeria Country Director Isa Sanusi criticised the Nigerian government’s handling of the situation, accusing the government of its relentless efforts to punish protesters and demonise the demonstrations.

In a related development, the Coalition for Democratic Accountability and Electoral Reform (CODER), a civil rights group that advocates for justice and electoral reforms, has called on President Bola Tinubu to release all those detained for peacefully advocating for an end to bad governance.

CODER described the detention of the protesters as a flagrant violation of their fundamental human rights and a clear attempt to silence dissenting voices.

A statement signed by CODER National President, Chief Peter Ameh, urged the administration to address systemic issues that led to their protests, including corruption, inequality and social injustice.

Amnesty International Nigeria Director Isa Sanusi said the Nigerian authorities had an obligation to respect and protect fundamental human rights, and he urged the federal government to end what he described as a mockery of the rule of law.

He said that instead of investing in desperate attempts to punish dissent, the government should listen to critics and tackle rampant insecurity, corruption and mismanagement.

The statement, titled “Nigeria: Sham trial of protesters flouts rule of law,” states: “Amnesty International is deeply concerned that #EndBadGovernaceInNigeria protesters charged across the country today will only be subjected to yet another round of relentless government efforts to punish protesters and demonize the protests.

“Some of the charges that will be brought against the protesters, ranging from treason, which carries the death penalty, to allegations of ‘planning to destabilize Nigeria’, show the lengths to which the Nigerian authorities will go in misusing the justice system to silence critical voices. These are blatantly fabricated charges that must be immediately withdrawn.

“We condemn these rigged trials before they even begin and call for an end to these endless and bizarre attempts to deny people the right to peaceful protest. What is about to happen to these protesters – who took to the streets last month – in search of good governance is a disguised exercise aimed solely at punishing dissent.

“The Nigerian authorities must immediately and unconditionally release all those arrested between 1 and 10 August for exercising their right to peaceful assembly, instead of resorting to an unfair trial just to illegally justify their detention.

“The Nigerian government has prioritized the repression of protesters, without even a word about the urgent need to investigate the killing of dozens of protesters in Kano, Katsina, Suleja/Tafa, Jigawa and Maiduguri. Many protesters have been subjected to other horrific violations by security forces, including excessive use of force and misuse of tear gas.

“Since the arrest of the protesters, Amnesty International has received worrying reports of violations of the rights of those detained, including denial of access to their families, legal representation and medical care if necessary.

“We urge the Nigerian authorities to end this travesty of the rule of law. They have an obligation to uphold and protect fundamental human rights. Instead of engaging in desperate attempts to punish dissent, the government should listen to critics and address widespread insecurity, corruption and mismanagement.”

“Paying more attention to saving millions of Nigerians from the brink of starvation should be the government’s top priority, not punishing protesters.”

On its part, according to CODER, “We, as concerned citizens of Nigeria, write to express our outrage and deep concern over the unjust detention and unfair trial of prisoners of conscience, journalists and protesters who are peacefully campaigning for an end to bad governance and the pursuit of a better Nigeria for all citizens.

“Their detention constitutes a flagrant violation of their fundamental rights and a clear attempt to silence dissenting voices. It is unacceptable that your administration continues to trample on the rights of citizens who are demanding a more just and equitable society.

“We demand that you take immediate steps to release these detainees and drop all charges against them. We also call on your administration to address the systemic issues that led to their protests, including corruption, inequality, and social injustice.”

Ameh said the continued detention of these individuals constitutes a stain on Nigerian democracy and a betrayal of the trust reposed in the government as a source of sincere representation.

He added: “We expect a stronger response to these grievances and a commitment to defending the rights of all citizens.

“The right to protest is a fundamental human right recognized by various international and regional instruments, the Charter of the United Nations (Article 20): recognizes the right to peaceful assembly and association, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (Article 21): protects the right to peaceful assembly.

“African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Article 11): Recognizes the right to freedom of assembly and socialization and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“(Article 40): guarantees the right to peaceful assembly and association as well as the combined reading of Articles 39 and 41.

“These instruments recognize the importance of protest as a means of expressing grievances, promoting accountability and advocating for change.

“There is every reason to believe that your administration has failed to respect these principles and authorities in its dealings with peaceful protesters.”

Wale Igbintade And Onyebuchi Ezigbo