In a fresh wave of criticism against the Nigeria Police Force, Amnesty International, the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), and the Youth Rights Campaign (YRC) have condemned the recent arrest of demonstrators at the #EndSARS memorial protests.
The human rights groups have demanded the immediate release of all protesters, decrying the crackdown as a blatant violation of citizens' rights to peaceful assembly.
The protests were organized to mark the third anniversary of the #EndSARS movement, which called for the disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and an end to police brutality in Nigeria.
Demonstrators had gathered in various cities, including Lagos and Abuja, to remember those who lost their lives during the 2020 protests and to renew calls for police reform.
However, reports emerged of a heavy-handed police response, with officers allegedly using tear gas, water cannons, and arrests to disperse the crowds.
Amnesty International accused the authorities of attempting to silence dissent and erase the memory of the #EndSARS protests.
"The Nigerian government has once again shown its intolerance for peaceful protests and legitimate demands for justice. The arrest of memorial protesters is a direct attack on the right to freedom of expression and assembly," said Osai Ojigho, the organization's country director.
RULAAC’s executive director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, echoed these sentiments, urging the police to respect democratic principles and release all detained individuals without delay.
He called for an end to the harassment of citizens exercising their rights. Similarly, the YRC condemned the arrests, labeling them as an attempt to intimidate young Nigerians and discourage activism.
The police have yet to respond to the allegations, but reports suggest that the crackdown was in line with directives to prevent a resurgence of the 2020 anti-police brutality protests.
Human rights advocates argue that such actions only serve to deepen distrust between the public and law enforcement, threatening the peace the government seeks to maintain.
As the situation unfolds, the pressure is mounting on Nigerian authorities to ensure justice and accountability for the actions taken during the #EndSARS memorial, with international eyes once again fixed on the country's human rights record.
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