Isa Sanusi, Country Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, emphasized in a statement that security forces must facilitate and respect the right to peaceful protest, which is guaranteed by the Nigerian constitution and international human rights treaties.
Sanusi warned against using the protests as an excuse to suppress human rights, including freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. He stressed the importance of allowing people to exercise their rights freely and peacefully.
Concerns were raised over recent arrests of individuals allegedly supporting the protests on social media, highlighting a worrying trend of intolerance towards peaceful dissent.
As Nigeria grapples with severe economic challenges, including a 36% inflation rate on food, Sanusi urged the government to address the root causes of the crisis rather than silencing protesters.
The protests, scheduled from August 1-10, 2024, are largely organized via social media, with some critics warning of potential violence. However, Sanusi reaffirmed that the right to peaceful protest must be respected.
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