Apologise publicly to Endbadgovernance protesters, Amnesty Int’l tells FG

Apologise publicly to Endbadgovernance protesters, Amnesty Int’l tells FG

Amnesty International wants the federal government to publicly apologise to all protesters who were killed, injured or traumatised by security agents during the August 1–10 #EndBadGovernance protests.

A briefing published by the global organisation focused on human rights on Thursday stated that at least 24 protesters were killed and 1,200 were arrested during the nationwide August protest.

The 24 recorded killings occurred in Kano, Jigawa, Katsina, Niger, Borno and Kaduna states. 12 people were killed in Kano, three in Jigawa, one in Katsina, three in Niger, three in Borno and two in Kaduna.

The briefing also revealed that the deceased were aged between 5 and 63.

“In all cases, the victims were shot by the police, firing live ammunition at close range often at the head or torso, suggesting that officers were shooting to kill. Two survivors suffered injuries after being shot by police in the arm and legs, others were suffocated by the indiscriminate use of tear gas,” Amnesty International stated.

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According to the organisation, the killing and arrest of protesters by the Nigerian authorities as well as the brutality meted out to them reflect the failure to respect and facilitate the right to freedom of expression.

Amnesty International also asked the government to “drop all charges against protesters solely for the peaceful exercise of their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, and unconditionally release those facing such charges”.

Some of the other demands to the government include granting detainees access to lawyers of their choice, families and independent medical care; the immediate release of those detained solely for peacefully exercising their human rights during the hunger protests; ensuring that detainees are tried under international standards for fair trials; and developing more robust engagement between the youths and the government.

Provide specific training for law enforcement officials on crowd facilitation during protests

In its recommendations to the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Amnesty International called for the training of officers on crowd facilitation and management during protests and international human rights standards.

The group also recommended the implementation of ammunition registration, control system and communications records system to monitor operational orders; promotion of visible markings to identify officers who participate in public law enforcement operations; promotion of opportunities for dialogue with protest organisers and the establishment of administrative sanctions for law enforcement personnel involved in abuses or acts of violence.

 

Apologise publicly to Endbadgovernance protesters, Amnesty Int’l tells FG