Amnesty International has issued a strong condemnation of the Nigerian police’s violent actions against government protesters, as detailed in a report released recently. The report accuses Nigerian authorities of conducting a brutal crackdown on peaceful demonstrations, leading to at least 24 deaths across the nation. Such actions are characterized as violations of fundamental rights, including the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.
The organization has alleged that Nigerian authorities have resorted to various unlawful tactics, including threatening protestors, arbitrarily arresting individuals, and employing lethal force against demonstrators. Moreover, reports indicate that during these crackdowns, 29 minors could be facing severe charges, including potentially the death penalty, a scenario previously highlighted during ongoing political unrest in Nigeria (as seen in previous coverage).
The crackdown is largely framed within the context of Nigeria’s Public Order Act, which theoretically requires police approval for rallies. However, Amnesty International points to court rulings indicating that such permission is only necessary for those seeking police protection. International law further stipulates that any use of firearms by police against protesters must be limited to cases where there is an imminent threat of death or serious injury, and only as a last resort.
Isa Sanusi, the Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, emphasized the gravity of the situation, urging the Nigerian authorities to launch an inquiry into the violent crackdowns to bring the perpetrators to justice. He stated that the current climate in Nigeria has rendered peaceful demonstrations a hazardous endeavor. Amid an economic crisis and widespread corruption, the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria movement has been a focal point of recent protests, with the worsening economic conditions posing significant challenges for the populace, including predicted food insecurity issues affecting millions as reported by international organizations.
Further information on this situation can be accessed via the original report published by JURIST News.