Global human right group, Amnesty International, says the arrest of Sahara reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, and other activists amounts to violation of the Nigerian constitution.
Ekohotblog had reported how security operatives apprehended Sowore on new year’s eve for staging a peaceful protest over state of the nation.
In a statement on Sunday, Amnesty International demanded immediately and unconditionally release of Sowore and other activists who were arrested.
The statement reads “The arrest solely for peacefully exercising their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly is a flagrant violation of the Nigerian Constitution of 1999 [as amended] and the country’s international human rights obligations including under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
It averred that Sowore’s continued incarceration is a matter of concern for Nigeria, noting that it shows just how far Nigerian authorities can go to silence peaceful dissent.
He implored government of President Muhammadu Buhari must stop targeting and hounding activists and respect the human rights of everyone.
“Amnesty International is also calling on the authorities to carry out a prompt, thorough, and effective investigation into allegations of torture and other ill-treatment during the period leading to the arrest of Sowore and other activists, and for anyone suspected to be responsible to be brought to justice in fair trials
Read Also: “It’s Cruel, Uncivilised”, Says Shehu Sani On Sowore’s Arrest
“Omoyele Sowore is an Amnesty International’s Prisoner of Conscience who is currently facing unfair trials on the basis of bogus and politically motivated charges” the statement read
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