Amnesty International (AI) has condemned what it described as a crackdown on peaceful protesters in Abuja, saying activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, was hospitalised after security operatives allegedly dispersed demonstrators during a Democracy Day protest on Friday.
In a statement issued on Friday, the human rights organisation said Sowore was “subsequently taken to a hospital” following the incident and called for an immediate investigation into what it described as his “deliberate targeting.”
Amnesty accused the authorities of using force to suppress fundamental rights, including freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
“The Nigerian authorities are clearly using violence to crack down on human rights, including the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly,” the organisation said.
It further argued that targeting activists for participating in peaceful demonstrations amounts to a violation of the rule of law and democratic principles.
“Such targeting of activists solely for exercising freedom of assembly is unlawful and shows utter disregard for the rule of law,” Amnesty stated.
The organisation also criticised what it described as a continued failure by the authorities to uphold constitutional and international human rights obligations, alleging an ongoing clampdown on civic freedoms.
According to Amnesty, the incident involving Sowore highlights growing concerns over the treatment of peaceful protesters and activists exercising their constitutional rights.
The rights group called for accountability and urged authorities to respect and protect the rights of Nigerians to assemble peacefully and express their views without fear of intimidation or violence.
