Mass trial of #EndBadGovernance protesters a sham, says Amnesty

Amnesty International has condemned the planned mass trial of #EndBadGovernance protesters by the federal government. 

Nigerians staged a nationwide protest against bad governance and economic hardship from August 1–10.

The protest turned violent in some parts of the country, with looting and vandalism recorded in some states.

Subsequently, the police announced the arrest of perpetrators in some states.

On August 16, Amnesty said over 1,000 #EndBadGovernance protesters were detained nationwide.

In a statement on Sunday, Isa Sanusi, director of Amnesty International Nigeria, said the protesters include minors, adding that they have been denied access to lawyers.

The rights group asked the government to release the protesters, saying the planned mass trial is “a sham”.

“Amnesty International is deeply concerned that the #EndBadGovernaceInNigeria protesters to be arraigned nationwide tomorrow are only going to be subjected to another round of government’s unrelenting intent to punish protesters and demonize protests,” the statement reads.

“We condemn the sham trials even before they begin and call for an end to these endless bizarre attempts to deprive people of the right to peaceful protest.

“What is going to happen to these protesters — who took to the streets last month — seeking good governance is a disguised exercise solely aimed at punishing dissenters.

“The Nigerian authorities must immediately and unconditionally release all those arrested from 1-10 August for exercising their right to peaceful assembly, instead of resorting to putting them through trumped-up charges just to justify unlawfully detaining them.

“The Nigerian government has been wrongfully placing priority on punishing protesters, without saying even a word on the urgent need to investigate the killing of dozens of protesters across Kano, Katsina, Suleja/Tafa, Jigawa and Maiduguri.

“Many protesters were subjected to horrific violations by security personnel, including excessive use of force and misuse of tear gas.

“Since the arrests of the protesters, Amnesty International has been receiving disturbing reports of violation of the rights of those detained through denial of access to family, legal assistance and medical care where needed.

“That dozens of minors are among those detained and possibly to face trial tomorrow is a travesty of justice.”

Amnesty said the planned mass trial is a “mockery of the rule of law”.

“The authorities have an obligation to uphold and protect fundamental human rights,” the statement adds.

“Instead of investing in desperate attempts to rush dissent, the government should listen to critics, and address rampant insecurity, corruption and mismanagement.

“Giving more attention to rescuing millions of Nigerians from the brink of starvation should be the top priority of government, not punishing protesters.”