Amnesty International has strongly condemned the planned mass trial of hundreds of protesters arrested during the #EndBadGovernance protests in Nigeria, calling it a "blatant attempt to punish dissent and stifle critical voices."
The organization's International Country Director, Isa Sanusi, criticized the government's handling of the situation, saying the trials are a "sham" and that the charges, including treason, are "blatantly trumped-up."
The protests, which took place nationwide from August 1 to 10, 2024, demanded good governance and an end to corruption among other plea from the citizens.
However, the government's response was said to have been marked by violence and repression, resulting in the arrest of hundreds of protesters.
Amnesty International urged the government to immediately withdraw the charges and release all those detained during the protests, emphasizing their right to peaceful assembly.
The director futher expressed: “Amnesty International is deeply concerned that the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protesters arraigned nationwide today are only going to be subjected to another round of the government’s unrelenting efforts to punish protesters and demonise protests,” said Sanusi.
The organization also criticized the government's failure to address the violent crackdown on protesters, which resulted in dozens of deaths and human rights violations.
Sanusi highlighted the ongoing human rights violations faced by the detained protesters, including denial of access to family, legal assistance, and medical care.
He called on the government to uphold the rule of law and focus on addressing pressing issues such as insecurity, corruption, and poverty, rather than punishing protesters.
"The Nigerian authorities must immediately and unconditionally release all those arrested for exercising their right to peaceful assembly," Sanusi said. "Instead of investing in desperate attempts to punish dissent, the government should listen to critics and address rampant insecurity, corruption, and mismanagement."
He said the mass trial is seen as a move to silence critics and stifle dissenting voices.
Amnesty International emphasized that the government should prioritize addressing the country's problems, rather than resorting to punishing protesters.
The organization also called for an investigation into the violent crackdown on protesters and accountability for those responsible.
The Nigerian government's actions have been widely criticized by human rights organizations and civil society groups.
according to him, "The mass trial is seen as a further erosion of human rights and the rule of law in Nigeria. Amnesty International's condemnation is a clear indication of the international community's concern over the government's actions."
