Chad: Urgent Call for Release of Acquitted Opposition Relatives and Fair Trials
Chadian authorities are urged to release ten relatives of the late opposition leader Yaya Dillo Djerou who remain unjustly detained despite acquittal. Amnesty International calls for transparency regarding the convictions of fourteen others and adherence to international human rights standards. The situation highlights ongoing repression of dissent in Chad following military actions against opposition parties, with fears increasing for detained leaders’ safety.
The authorities in Chad are urged to release ten relatives of the late opposition leader Yaya Dillo Djerou who remain in Koro Toro maximum security prison, despite being acquitted of all charges in July. Amnesty International emphasizes the necessity for the Chadian government to clarify the convictions of fourteen others involved in the same incident and to adhere to fair trial rights. All 24 individuals were detained post the military assault on the Socialist Party without Borders (PSF) headquarters, during which Djerou was killed. The conditions of their detention have been described as inhumane, with minors and individuals suffering from chronic diseases among them. Amnesty has called for their transfer to detention facilities in N’Djamena.
Additionally, concerns are raised over ongoing crackdowns on opposition supporters and human rights in Chad, a situation that has escalated since significant incidents of violence in October 2022. Reports indicate that another PSF leader, Robert Gam, remains incommunicado following his arrest, with fears for his safety mounting among advocates. Amnesty International reiterates the necessity for the Chadian authorities to uphold human rights obligations and guarantee fair trial rights, as well as to cease the practice of incommunicado detention.
Furthermore, the political climate in Chad has deteriorated as evidenced by the military’s violent actions against political opposition; despite promises of accountability via an international investigation, no tangible progress has been made public regarding the findings since the assault on the PSF headquarters.
The situation in Chad surrounding the late Yaya Dillo Djerou and the Socialist Party without Borders (PSF) highlights ongoing human rights concerns in the region. On February 27, 2024, a military assault took place at the PSF headquarters, resulting in Djerou’s death and the subsequent detention of his supporters. Despite their acquittal of related charges, ten individuals remain imprisoned without justification, providing a stark portrayal of the ongoing repression faced by political opponents in Chad. Amnesty International’s intervention underscores the need for legal reforms and adherence to both national and international human rights standards.
In summary, the Chadian authorities face pressing calls from Amnesty International to release acquitted individuals associated with opposition politics while ensuring fair treatment of all detainees. The deterioration of human rights in Chad, marked by the arbitrary detention of political opponents and alarming reports of violence, necessitates immediate government action to restore lawful conduct and protect citizens’ rights. Ongoing scrutiny will be crucial for promoting accountability and justice in the current political landscape.
Original Source: www.amnesty.org
