(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) – ARTICLE 19 on 17 November 1997 welcomed the announcement by Nigeria’s General Sani Abacha that he will release some political detainees, but expressed scepticism that the move heralds any sea change in the human rights situation. Richard Carver, Head of ARTICLE 19’s Africa Programme said: “The European Union review of sanctions against […]
(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) – ARTICLE 19 on 17 November 1997 welcomed the
announcement by Nigeria’s General Sani Abacha that he will release some
political detainees, but expressed scepticism that the move heralds any sea
change in the human rights situation.
Richard Carver, Head of ARTICLE 19’s Africa Programme said: “The European
Union review of sanctions against Nigeria is looming, so it is possible
that the regime is looking for minor concessions to make. Nigerian
political prisoners, including the Ogoni 20, four journalists (see IFEX
alerts), alleged coup plotters, Moshood Abiola and Beko Ransome-Kuti, all
of whom should be immediately released, will be looking for the EU
[European Union] to keep up the pressure for a return to democracy, since
the Commonwealth Heads of Government failed to do so last month.
“None of Nigeria’s political prisoners should be in jail. The vast majority
of those presently in jail, often in appalling conditions, have not been
charged or tried. Others have been sentenced after grossly unfair trials by
specially constituted courts or secret military tribunals,” he added.
The EU’s sanctions, adopted in 1995, include a ban on arms sales to the
Nigerian government, denying visas to armed forces personnel and for
sporting events, suspending EU development aid and cutting high-level
visits.
