Trial of Boko Haram suspects must be fair, says Amnesty

Amnesty International says the trial of Boko Haram suspects must be fair.

The trial of some Boko Haram suspects commenced behind closed doors on Monday.

In a statement on Wednesday, Osai Ojigho, the human rights watchdog’s Nigeria director, said the trial of the suspects held behind closed doors raised concerns.

“These trials should provide a much-needed opportunity to deliver justice for the many victims of human rights abuses and crimes allegedly committed by Boko Haram members. However, the fact that the trials are taking place behind closed doors, with no access for the media or the public, raises huge concerns. Public hearings are crucial for protecting an individual’s right to a fair trial and due process,” he said.

“The Nigerian authorities must ensure that all fair trial rights are respected. Defendants must have access to lawyers and interpreters if required, and that witnesses and victims are protected from potential reprisals.”

The organisation said it had documented how thousands of people were rounded up in mass arbitrary arrests with little or no evidence and held in detention for years.

“In instances where no prima facie case has been established, as is reportedly the situation in some of the cases, detainees should be immediately released,” it said.