What Happened to the Activists?
Following the arbitrary arrest of two activists from the National Front for the Defence of the Constitution (FNDC), Samira Daoud, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for West and Central Africa, called for immediate action.
Immediate Release
Oumar Sylla and Mamadou Billo Bah have been held in secret detention against international law. The Guinean authorities must release them promptly, guarantee their safety, reveal their whereabouts, and allow them legal and family contact.
Crackdown on Peaceful Dissent
Guinean authorities intensified their suppression of peaceful dissent with media suspensions, internet restrictions, and violent crackdowns on demonstrations. At least 47 people lost their lives during protests by April 22, 2024.
Background
- Oumar Sylla urged people to wear red clothes on July 11 to protest media closures and high living costs.
- Both activists were previously detained for exercising their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly under different regimes.
This situation underscores the importance of safeguarding human rights and ensuring freedom of expression for everyone.
Source: www.amnesty.org