Hunger protests: Amnesty International demands immediate release of all detainees

Amnesty International has strongly condemned the Nigerian government for its recent actions against over 1,000 protesters who were arraigned in court following widespread demonstrations. The protests, initially focused on hunger and corruption, escalated into violence in several states, leading to mass arrests by security forces.

Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun announced on August 6 that the police had apprehended individuals allegedly involved in sponsoring protests where foreign flags were reportedly hoisted. These arrests culminated in the protesters being charged and detained, sparking outrage from global human rights advocates.

In a statement released on X, Amnesty International criticized the Nigerian authorities for what it described as a "crackdown on peaceful protesters." The organization highlighted the case of 441 individuals arraigned in Kano, expressing concern over the fairness of the trials, which it believes are based on "trumped-up charges."

Amnesty International's statement called for the immediate and unconditional release of all those detained, emphasizing that these individuals were merely exercising their right to peaceful assembly—a right that should be protected rather than punished. The organization also reminded the Nigerian government of its obligation to uphold the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, which are enshrined in both national and international law.

This development has sparked a broader conversation about the state of civil liberties in Nigeria, with critics accusing the government of using heavy-handed tactics to stifle dissent. The mass arrests and subsequent trials have drawn significant international attention, adding to the pressure on Nigerian authorities to reassess their approach to handling protests and civil unrest.