Amnesty condemns Abuja protest crackdown, says Sowore hospitalized

Amnesty International has strongly condemned what it termed a "reckless attack on peaceful protesters" during a Democracy Day demonstration in Abuja. The human rights organization reported that activist and presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore collapsed after security operatives allegedly used teargas against demonstrators.

In a statement released on Friday, Amnesty International said Sowore was "subsequently taken to a hospital" following the incident at Unity Fountain, Abuja. The group demanded an immediate investigation into what it described as Sowore's "deliberate targeting."

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The Nigerian authorities are clearly using violence to crack down on human rights, including the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.

"The Nigerian authorities are clearly using violence to crack down on human rights, including the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly," the statement read. Amnesty International further warned that targeting activists for participating in peaceful demonstrations constitutes unlawful conduct and a violation of fundamental rights. "Such targeting of activists solely for exercising freedom of assembly is unlawful and shows utter disregard for the rule of law," the organization asserted.

The rights group accused the authorities of failing to uphold constitutional and international human rights obligations, alleging a continued suppression of civic freedoms under President Bola Tinubu's administration. Sowore's collapse reportedly occurred during a protest where security operatives allegedly dispersed demonstrators with teargas near the Force Headquarters. Videos circulating online depicted him on the ground amidst confusion as protesters tried to help him. The protest was part of a nationwide action called by civic groups, labor activists, and youth organizations to voice concerns over insecurity, economic hardship, and worsening living conditions.

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Such targeting of activists solely for exercising freedom of assembly is unlawful and shows utter disregard for the rule of law.