Current:Home > StocksNigerians remember those killed or detained in the 2020 protests against police brutality-InfoLens
Nigerians remember those killed or detained in the 2020 protests against police brutality
View Date:2024-12-23 16:12:04
ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — Many Nigerians on Friday remembered the victims of the historic protests against police brutality which took place three years ago, with Amnesty International reporting that at least 15 of the protesters are still being detained illegally.
In October 2020, thousands of Nigerians staged nationwide protests to kick against the abuses of the now-disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad, or SARS. In the economic hub of Lagos, security forces opened fire on demonstrators, prompting global condemnation. A government-commissioned inquiry described the shooting and resultant deaths as a massacre.
At least 15 protesters arrested three years ago are still held in Lagos prisons, the majority without trial and some being tortured, Amnesty International’s Nigeria office said in a statement listing the names of the victims.
In Lagos, a small group of people held a rally to demand justice for victims of police brutality. “Nobody is going to be happy when you are unjustly killing people, suffering them, oppressing them,” said Adebowale Adebayo, one of the organizers and a Nigerian actor popularly known as Mr. Macaroni.
Across various social media platforms, the #EndSARS hashtag trended in Nigeria as many spoke about the continuing abuses allegedly committed by Nigerian police officers.
“Our investigation shows the Nigerian authorities’ utter disdain for human rights,” Isa Sanusi, director of Amnesty International Nigeria, said, echoing accusations against the government that protesters were targeted while their demands for justice were neglected.
“Three years in detention without trial is a travesty of justice. This shows the authorities’ contempt for due process of law. The protesters must be immediately and unconditionally released,” Sanusi added.
People also asked questions about the true death toll from the shooting in Lagos, with the government still accused of a cover-up.
A judicial panel commissioned by the Lagos state government reported that 11 people died. But in July this year, the government confirmed a memo leaked by local media that said more than 100 bodies recovered during the protests. Officials, however, said the fatalities occurred during violence in many parts of the state and not at the protest site where soldiers opened fire.
“Nigerian authorities must take concrete and effective measures to end police impunity, including by giving clear directives to the police not to violate human rights,” Amnesty International Nigeria said.
veryGood! (8794)
Related
- Massive dust storm reduces visibility, causes vehicle pileup on central California highway
- Boeing’s astronaut capsule arrives at the space station after thruster trouble
- Stereophonic cast brings 1970s band to life while making history
- Tension soars as Israelis march through east Jerusalem, Gaza bombing intensifies and rockets land from Lebanon
- Dallas Long, who won 2 Olympic medals while dominating the shot put in the 1960s, has died at 84
- Man pleads not guilty to killing 3 women and dumping their bodies in Oregon and Washington
- Mississippi police officer loses job after telling man to ‘go back to Mexico’
- California Oil Town Chose a Firm with Oil Industry Ties to Review Impacts of an Unprecedented 20-Year Drilling Permit Extension
- Florida State can't afford to fire Mike Norvell -- and can't afford to keep him
- Who is Chennedy Carter? What to know about Chicago Sky guard, from stats to salary
Ranking
- Lala Kent Swears by This Virgo-Approved Accessory and Shares Why Stassi Schroeder Inspires Her Fall Style
- Not 'brainwashed': Miranda Derrick hits back after portrayal in 'Dancing for the Devil'
- How Boy Meets World’s Trina McGee Is Tuning Out the Negativity Amid Her Pregnancy at Age 54
- Why the 2024 Belmont Stakes is at Saratoga Race Course and not at Belmont Park
- All Social Security retirees should do this by Nov. 20
- Trump film ‘The Apprentice’ made noise in Cannes, but it still lacks a US distributor
- Kansas City Chiefs' BJ Thompson Suffers Cardiac Arrest During Team Meeting
- Video shows Seattle police beat man with batons at bus stop, city investigating
Recommendation
-
Get Your Home Holiday-Ready & Decluttered With These Storage Solutions Starting at $14
-
At 93 years old, Willie Mays has added 10 more hits to his MLB record. Here's why.
-
Padma Lakshmi Debuts Lingerie Collection, Choosing Comfort First: “My Mood Is More Important Than My Ass”
-
North Carolina driver’s license backlog may soon end, DMV commissioner says
-
Diamond Sports Group can emerge out of bankruptcy after having reorganization plan approved
-
Brown has 22, Porzingis returns with 20 as Celtics open NBA Finals with 107-89 win over Mavericks
-
Not 'brainwashed': Miranda Derrick hits back after portrayal in 'Dancing for the Devil'
-
T.J. Maxx's parent company wants to curb shoplifting with a police tactic: Body cameras