Amnesty International calls for the immediate release of ten relatives of slain opposition leader Yaya Dillo Djerou, who remain imprisoned despite being acquitted. The rights group urges transparency regarding the charges against 14 others convicted in the same incident, advocating for compliance with national and international human rights standards amid ongoing repression in Chad.
Chadian authorities are urged by Amnesty International to release ten relatives of Yaya Dillo Djerou, a slain opposition leader, who remain incarcerated despite their July acquittal on charges arising from a security forces raid on the leader’s political party headquarters. The organization emphasizes the need for transparency regarding the charges against 14 other individuals convicted in the same case, advocating that their appeal processes comply with Chad’s legal obligations to uphold human rights.
Following the military operation that led to Djerou’s death on 27 February 2024, a total of 24 people, all associated with the Socialist Party without Borders (PSF), were detained under deplorable conditions in Koro Toro maximum security prison, located 600 kilometers from the capital. This group includes minors and individuals suffering from chronic health issues, all of whom have been deprived of family contact and legal representation until their case hearing.
Samira Daoud, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for West and Central Africa, has condemned the arbitrary detention of the acquitted individuals as a blatant violation of both national and international human rights law, reflective of a broader trend of repression against opposition supporters in Chad. Daoud has called for a cessation of this crackdown and insisted that authorities guarantee the right to a fair trial for all defendants.
Specific concerns were raised regarding the legal status of PSF Secretary-General Robert Gam, who was arrested in September 2024 and currently remains incommunicado. A rights advocate expressed fears for Gam’s safety, suggesting that the nation is reverting to oppressive tactics. Another PSF member, Abakar Torabi, was released after nearly ten months of secret detention without any formal charges.
The situation surrounding the violent events that led to Djerou’s death remains murky, with allegations of an assassination versus a legitimate military engagement, as various official statements and a proposed investigation have yet to yield substantial results. Moreover, the PSF headquarters was subsequently destroyed, compounding concerns regarding the state’s commitment to uphold human rights and opposing political discourse.
The call to action stems from the detention of individuals linked to Yaya Dillo Djerou, who was killed during an attack by security forces on his party’s headquarters. The events surrounding this incident, including allegations of false charges and the subsequent treatment of political detainees, highlight the deteriorating human rights situation in Chad. Amnesty International’s reports emphasize the need for legal processes to align with both national laws and international human rights standards, aiming to ensure justice and protect dissenting voices in a political landscape marked by repression.
In summary, the Chadian government’s actions against the relatives of Yaya Dillo Djerou, specifically the continued detention of acquitted individuals and incommunicado treatment of opposition members, raise significant human rights concerns. Amnesty International’s advocacy highlights the urgent need for fair trial guarantees and the protection of political dissenters. The international community must remain vigilant regarding the developments in Chad to ensure adherence to human rights norms.
Original Source: www.amnesty.org
