Amnesty International has accused Nigerian authorities of increasingly depriving member of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) of freedom of religion and freedom of association.
A statement by AI spokesman, Isa Sanusi, Tuesday night, said this in reaction to the proscription of the group led by its detained leader, Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky.
It noted that the move against Nigerian Shiites was “a deliberate attempt to divert attention from from crucial issues including; justice for the massacre of over 350 in Zaria in Dec. 2015 as well many other IMN supporters killed by security agencies over the years”.
AI added that many members of IMN have been missing since 2015 and that families and relatives were yet to know their fate while the search for justice had been largely ignored by Nigerian authorities.
“Despite federal high court order of Dec. 2016 Nigerian authorities have continued to keep Sheik Ibraheem El-Zakzaky in unlawful detention and his bail application perpetually delayed, despite repeated concerns over deterioration of his health.
“The fact that authorities have not indicated any attempt to investigate and ensure justice in all incidences involving IMN clearly shows a government resolve to deprive them of their fundamental human rights.
“We insist that Nigerian authorities ensure justice in all cases involving all Nigerians, including IMN”, the statement added.
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