**Updates IFEX alerts dated 7 June, 5 May, 21 April, 22 March, 24, 17, 8, 6 February, 20, 11 January 1995** The trial of jailed writer and activist Ken Saro-Wiwa, adjourned on 6 July 1995, was scheduled to resume on 31 July 1995 despite the fact that Ken Saro-Wiwa may not have adequate legal defense. […]
**Updates IFEX alerts dated 7 June, 5 May, 21 April, 22
March, 24, 17, 8, 6 February, 20, 11 January 1995**
The trial of jailed writer and activist Ken Saro-Wiwa, adjourned
on 6 July 1995, was scheduled to resume on 31 July 1995 despite
the fact that Ken Saro-Wiwa may not have adequate legal defense.
Saro-Wiwa was to be represented by legal aid following the
withdrawal of his defense team in May. Some of the lawyers in the
defense team had been arrested in May. The lawyers were
reportedly prevented from presenting evidence that a witness was
bribed to testify against the defendant and two remain in
detention. Reports from the Movement for the Survival of the
Ogoni People (MOSOP) indicate that Ken Saro-Wiwa and the others
in his trial will not be cooperating with the legal aid lawyers.
Recommended Action
Please continue sending appeals to Nigerian authorities:
and the other defendants tried in accordance with international
standards on fair trial
connection with the free expression of his views
Appeals To
His Excellency General Sani Abacha
Chairman of the Provisional Ruling Council and Commander-in-Chief
of the Armed Forces
State House
Abuja, Nigeria
Fax: +234 9 5232138
Please copy appeals to the originator if possible.
