**Updates IFEX CH alert dated 20 January 1995; for background, see IFEX alerts of 11 January, 21, 2 December, 17 November, and various 1994** The trial against Nigerian writer and human rights campaigner Ken Saro-Wiwa has been adjourned to 26 February 1995 in order to allow him more access to his lawyers. The case against […]
**Updates IFEX CH alert dated 20 January 1995; for background,
see IFEX alerts of 11 January, 21, 2 December, 17 November, and
various 1994**
The trial against Nigerian writer and human rights campaigner Ken
Saro-Wiwa has been adjourned to 26 February 1995 in order to
allow him more access to his lawyers. The case against Saro-Wiwa
was due to be heard by a Special Tribunal in Port Harcourt on 6
February (see IFEX alert dated 20 January), following earlier
postponements.
On 20 January, Baribom Beri claimed responsibility for the deaths
of the four Ogoni leaders cited in the case against Saro-Wiwa.
Saro-Wiwa is accused of inciting the murder of the four. Beri
handed himself over to authorities and is currently held by the
military in Po. His statement exonerates Ken Saro-Wiwa and his
movement of any involvement in the killings.
Recommended Action
Continue sending appeals to Nigerian authorities:
Saro-Wiwa, who was initially held incommunicado, has yet to be
formally charged, has been denied medical attention, and whose
claims of ill-treatment while in detention have yet to be
investigated
Appeals To
General Sani Abacha
Chairman of the Provisional Ruling Council, Commander in Chief of
the Armed Forces and Minister of Defence
State House
Abuja, Nigeria
Fax: +234 95 232 138
the Nigerian diplomatic representative in your country
