19 international civil society organisations demand due process at the review of journalist Jose Rubén Zamora’s detention due on Friday 18 October 2024.
What is the Current Situation?
- Journalist Zamora has been unjustly imprisoned since 29 July 2022.
- The substitute judge presiding over Zamora’s case faces social media stigmatization and a criminal complaint.
- At least 10 lawyers defending Zamora have been forced to abandon the case due to external pressures.
Why is This Concerning?
- Violations of human rights and threats to judicial independence.
- Targeting of individuals involved in politically motivated prosecutions.
- Lack of credible evidence and irregularities in the criminal proceedings against Zamora.
What are the International Experts Saying?
- Concerns that Zamora’s conditions in prison may amount to torture and inhumane treatment.
- The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention calls for Zamora’s immediate release.
- Violation of freedom of expression through criminal prosecution.
As Zamora is facing two separate criminal proceedings resulting in pre-trial detention orders, international organisations are urging the courts to replace detention with house arrest for due process.
What Organizations are Calling for Action?
- Amnesty International
- Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ)
- Reporters Without Borders (RSF)
- And many more…
The undersigned organisations are advocating for a fair and impartial trial and compliance with fundamental due process requirements for Zamora’s case.
Source: www.amnesty.org