Amnesty International has strongly criticized the criminal charges filed against activist and former African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, describing the case as a “fabrication” and a “sham” while calling on the Nigerian government to respect freedom of expression.
The international human rights organization made its position known through its Country Director, Isa Sanusi, during an interview on News Central Television, where he condemned the ongoing prosecution of the activist over alleged defamation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to Sanusi, Amnesty International believes Sowore is being unfairly targeted and subjected to actions that amount to persecution rather than a legitimate legal process.
“Our position is that Sowore is being treated differently. He’s been subjected to persecution and a series of human rights violations,” Sanusi stated.
He went further to argue that the charges brought against the activist lack legal merit under both Nigerian and international law.
“Our position is that the charges slammed on him are fabricated, unfounded, and the trial itself is a sham and does not have any ground under international law and the Nigerian Constitution,” he added.
Sanusi also urged the Federal Government to shift its attention to addressing more pressing national challenges, including insecurity, poverty and corruption, instead of prosecuting activists for expressing their views.
According to him, activists like Sowore should be allowed to exercise their constitutional rights without intimidation or what he described as attempts to use the judicial system to suppress dissenting voices.
“What we are saying is that the Nigerian government should focus on key Nigerian problems like security, poverty and corruption, and allow activists like Sowore to do their work. Allow them to continue to exercise their civic rights without any kind of intimidation or manipulation of the judicial process to suppress freedom of expression,” Sanusi said.
The comments have added a new dimension to the ongoing legal battle involving Sowore, with the case continuing to generate national debate over free speech, human rights and the role of activists in Nigeria’s democracy.
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