Amnesty International has called for the immediate release of 10 relatives of opposition leader Yaya Dillo Djerou, who remain imprisoned despite their acquittal following a violent military raid that left Djerou dead. Additionally, the organization demands transparency regarding the convictions of 14 others involved and urges fair trial rights be upheld amidst ongoing human rights violations in Chad.
The Chadian government is urged to immediately release 10 relatives of the deceased opposition leader Yaya Dillo Djerou, who remain imprisoned despite their acquittal in July. These individuals were detained following a violent raid on the headquarters of Djerou’s party in February 2024, which also resulted in his death. Amnesty International has highlighted the need for authorities to clarify the charges against 14 others convicted in connection with the incident and ensure that their appeals are handled in accordance with both national and international human rights standards.
All individuals involved, including three minors and those with chronic illnesses, have reportedly endured harsh conditions in Koro Toro maximum security prison, situated 600 kilometers from N’Djamena. Human rights violations in this case are compounded by a broader crackdown on political opposition in Chad, particularly following the protests of October 2022, during which demonstrators faced lethal force.
Amnesty’s Regional Director for West and Central Africa, Samira Daoud, stated, “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.” The organization calls for a fair trial process and legal representation for the convicted individuals, stressing the necessity for their transfer to facilities compliant with national laws.
Robert Gam, the Secretary-General of the Socialist Party without Borders, remains held incommunicado since his arrest in September 2024, raising fears for his safety among human rights advocates. The government is also urged to refrain from the practice of secret detention and ensure that all detainees are treated in accordance with legal standards.
A comprehensive understanding of the situation requires awareness of the violent incident on February 27, 2024, when Yaya Dillo Djerou was killed during a military assault characterized differently by the authorities and his supporters. The accusations against his supporters regarding an attack on the National Security Agency have been categorically denied. As calls for an international investigation into the incident mount, details remain elusive, and the relentless repression of dissenting voices continues to pose significant human rights challenges in Chad.
The context surrounding the continued detention of Yaya Dillo Djerou’s relatives stems from a violent military operation targeting the Socialist Party without Borders (PSF) headquarters in February 2024, which resulted in the death of Djerou. The repressive political climate in Chad has led to systematic human rights violations, particularly targeting opposition groups. The recent arrests and the management of legal processes highlight a troubling pattern of arbitrary detentions, alleged torture, and denial of fair trial rights that indicates a broader government strategy to quash dissent.
In summary, the situation in Chad reflects a grave injustice against political opponents, as exemplified by the arbitrary detention of acquitted individuals, the lack of transparency surrounding convictions, and the ongoing oppression of political voices. The international community and human rights organizations must advocate for accountability and the upholding of basic rights. The government must act to ensure that legal obligations are met, including the right to a fair trial and humane treatment for all detainees. The call to respect human rights is urgent, and the need for an open investigation into the violence at the PSF headquarters cannot be overstated. Chad must commit to honoring its national and international duties concerning human rights to foster a more just society for all its citizens.
Original Source: www.amnesty.org
