Amnesty International Nigeria has strongly criticized the mass trial of #EndBadGovernance protesters, set to begin today in Abuja, Kano, and Kaduna. These individuals were arrested by security forces during the hunger and hardship protests that took place in August 2024.
In a statement shared on its X platform on Monday, Amnesty International denounced the upcoming trial as a “sham” and a blatant attempt to suppress the right to peaceful protest. The organization expressed grave concern over the charges being brought against the protesters, which include treason—an offense punishable by death—and allegations of plans to destabilize Nigeria.
READ ALSO : Over 1000 protesters in detention nationwide – Amnesty International
Amnesty International accused the Nigerian government of manipulating the criminal justice system to silence dissent, while ignoring the urgent need to investigate the killing of dozens of protesters in Kano, Katsina, Suleja/Tafa, Jigawa, and Maiduguri.
“These attempts by President Bola Tinubu’s government to charge those who protested against widespread poverty and corruption with treason are beyond absurd and completely baseless,” the statement read.
The organization called for an immediate end to these actions, urging the government to prioritize justice for the victims of the protest crackdowns rather than punishing those who speak out against injustice.
Credible News.ng
