Amnesty International has urged Nigerian officials to promptly halt what it termed a rising repression of individuals who dissent against the governments of the United States and Israel.
In a declaration issued on Friday, the rights group expressed deep concern regarding the actions of the Department of State Services (DSS), especially concerning how individuals voicing their thoughts on social media about the ongoing turmoil in the Middle East are being treated.
According to Amnesty, the situation has already resulted in the apprehension of no less than two individuals in Kaduna.
“At least two individuals, both from Kaduna, have been apprehended, with one reportedly experiencing what seems to be a dubious trial based on questionable allegations,” stated the organisation.
Amnesty International further disclosed that it had obtained information suggesting that numerous other Nigerians who openly denounced the policies of the United States and Israel had been invited or summoned by the DSS for interrogation.
The organisation cautioned that such measures could undermine respect for human rights and erode public confidence in governmental institutions.
“These increasingly autocratic practices threaten fundamental rights and diminish faith in the impartiality of state institutions while also cultivating an atmosphere of intimidation,” the declaration observed.
Amnesty emphasized that critiquing the actions or policies of any government is a core part of the fundamental right to freedom of expression and should never be regarded as a criminal act.
“Critiquing the policies of any administration or its leaders is a valid exercise of the right to freedom of expression,” remarked the organisation, adding that this right is safeguarded under Nigeria’s Constitution as well as global human rights pacts.
The group specifically referenced the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and international agreements such as the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which assure citizens the freedom to voice opinions and share ideas without the dread of reprisals.
Amnesty International thus urged Nigerian officials to cease what it characterized as the intensifying oppression of individuals who are peacefully exercising their rights.
“Nigerian authorities must bring to a halt the harassment and repression against individuals who are merely exercising their human rights in a non-violent manner,” stated the organisation.
It further cautioned that targeting individuals for critiquing the policies of the United States or Israel could convey a perilous message that peaceful dissent is unacceptable in the nation.
“Targeting individuals for critiquing the United States or Israel governments sends a disheartening message that peaceful dissent is not embraced in Nigeria,” added the statement.
The organisation concluded by calling on Nigerian authorities to guarantee that every citizen in the nation enjoys their rights without apprehension.
“The authorities must uphold and safeguard the human rights of all individuals in Nigeria, including the right to freedom of expression online and offline,” Amnesty declared.
They urged the government to abstain from actions that could mute critics.
