In a statement issued on Tuesday, the global human rights organisation accused the Nigerian authorities of using the country's criminal justice system to suppress peaceful dissent and silence critics of government policies and public officials
Amnesty International has called on the Nigerian government to immediately halt the alleged persecution, judicial harassment and intimidation of human rights activist and presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, urging authorities to withdraw all politically motivated charges against him.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the global human rights organisation accused the Nigerian authorities of using the country's criminal justice system to suppress peaceful dissent and silence critics of government policies and public officials
The organisation warned that rather than protecting rights guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and international human rights law, Nigerian authorities are increasingly relying on criminal investigations, prosecutions, security agencies and the justice system to intimidate, punish and silence citizens who criticize government policies and public officials.
"The ongoing harassment, intimidation and unfair prosecution of Omoyele Sowore is another disturbing example of the misuse of Nigeria's criminal justice system to suppress peaceful dissent. No one should face arrest, prosecution or punishment simply for peacefully expressing opinions, exposing alleged wrongdoing or criticizing those in power," said Isa Sanusi, Executive Director of Amnesty International Nigeria.
