Further details on Ken Saro-Wiwa hearing; health concerns; receives award

Sources: lawyers, press agencies, Amnesty, various **Further to IFEX CH alerts dated 8 and 6 February 1995** The trial against jailed Nigerian writer Ken Saro-Wiwa is due to begin on 21 February 1995, after its postponement on 6 February. Saro-Wiwa is charged with four counts under the Civil Disturbances Tribunal Decree of 1987. The charges […]

Sources: lawyers, press agencies, Amnesty, various

**Further to IFEX CH alerts dated 8 and 6 February 1995**

The trial against jailed Nigerian writer Ken Saro-Wiwa is due to
begin on 21 February 1995, after its postponement on 6 February.
Saro-Wiwa is charged with four counts under the Civil
Disturbances Tribunal Decree of 1987. The charges are conspiracy
to murder, murder and infliction of grievous bodily harm. There
is no right to appeal under this decree and there is no time
limit on the trial. It was previously thought that Saro-Wiwa
would be tried under the April 1994 act relating to civil
disturbances which sets a 14-day time limit on the trial.
Saro-Wiwa’s health is said to be bad. A medical report issued
in January 1995 by military doctors recommends that he be
transferred to a hospital, but the military authorities have not
acted on this. Meanwhile, it has been announced that Ken
Saro-Wiwa has been awarded the prestigious Hellman/Hammett award
by the Free Expression Project of Human Rights Watch. The award
has been given to him in recognition of his “courage in the
defence of the Ogoni people”.

Recommended Action

General Sani Abacha

Chairman

Provisional Ruling Council, Commander in Chief of the Armed

Forces and Minister of Defence

State House

Abuja

Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria

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