Amnesty International calls for the immediate release of ten acquitted relatives of opposition leader Yaya Dillo Djerou who remain detained despite acquittals. The organization demands transparency for the convictions of fourteen others related to the same case and stresses the need for fair trial rights. The detainees face inhumane conditions, raising serious concerns regarding human rights violations in Chad.
Amnesty International has urged the Chadian authorities to release ten relatives of the slain opposition leader, Yaya Dillo Djerou, who remain unjustly imprisoned at Koro Toro maximum security prison despite their acquittal on charges related to a violent incident that occurred in February 2024. Their detention demonstrates a blatant violation of both national and international human rights laws. Moreover, the organization demanded transparency regarding the charges against fourteen other individuals convicted in the same case and emphasized that their appeals should be processed in compliance with Chad’s legal obligations.
These detainees, all relatives of Djerou, were arrested following the military’s assault on the headquarters of the Socialist Party Without Borders (PSF) in N’Djamena, which resulted in Djerou’s death. Conditions in Koro Toro prison, located 600 kilometers from the capital, are reportedly inhumane, and detainees have not had any contact with family members or legal counsel. This situation is exacerbated by the presence of minors and individuals with chronic health issues among the detainees.
Samira Daoud, the Regional Director for West and Central Africa at Amnesty International, emphasized the need for a fair trial and the defense rights of those appealing their sentences. “To keep 10 people locked up in Koro Toro prison, despite their acquittal, is a clear case of arbitrary detention, and a violation of national and international human rights law,” she stated. Additionally, concerns have been raised about the treatment of other PSF members, including Secretary-General Robert Gam, who has been detained without charge.
The international community has been implored to remain vigilant regarding the rights abuses occurring in Chad. The Chadian government recently faced accusations of using excessive force against demonstrators, and history appears to be repeating itself with the ongoing repression of political opposition. Calls for accountability and respect for human rights continue to mount as the situation unfolds.
The political climate in Chad remains tense following the death of Yaya Dillo Djerou during a military raid on his party’s headquarters. His supporters claim the raid was a premeditated assassination, while the government characterizes it as a confrontation. The aftermath saw numerous arrests of party affiliates, with allegations of extended and unlawful detentions, highlighting a broader pattern of governmental suppression against political opposition. Recent legislation regarding fair trials and human rights compliance has come under scrutiny, as detainees are subjected to isolation and denied legal representation. Amnesty International’s advocacy stresses the necessity of adhering to established legal practices to ensure justice for those wrongfully detained. Moreover, the organization’s emphasis on the treatment of minors and individuals with health issues imprisoned under harsh conditions brings attention to the potential violations of human dignity occurring within the penal system in Chad.
In summary, the Chadian authorities face significant pressure to comply with national and international human rights standards regarding the unlawful detention of Yaya Dillo Djerou’s relatives and the treatment of political detainees. Amnesty International’s calls for the immediate release of the acquitted individuals and fair trial rights for others highlight the urgent need for reform within Chadian legal practices. The continued crackdown on political dissent and the detrimental conditions in which detainees are held must be addressed to uphold the fundamental rights of all citizens. As the international community monitors the situation, it is imperative that principles of justice, accountability, and human rights are upheld in Chad, especially given the alarming historical context of government repression in recent years.
Original Source: www.amnesty.org
