Islamic Human Rights Commission
NIGERIA DIGEST 28 July 2019 (Volume 3 Issue 23)
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Introduction
Action Alert
Articles
Videos
Archive
INTRODUCTION
Today once again the court adjourned proceedings to decide whether Sheikh Zakzaky should be freed to receive critical medical treatment. In the last two weeks concerned campaigners and organisations intensified the global #FreeZakzaky protests and rallies; at least a dozen peaceful protesters were killed by security forces in Nigeria and in its latest move the under pressure Buhari Government used the courts to proscribe the peaceful Islamic movement of Nigeria. Human rights organisations condemned this cynical move of the Buhari regime.
Click here for the updated action after the court hearing of Sheikh Zakzaky. Click here to watch a short video clip about today’s decision and what you can do. As the court once again adjourned the hearing requesting to release the Sheikh, we request campaigners to contact your minister of foreign affairs and demand their immediate intervention in the deteriorating situation in Nigeria. Please forward any responses you receive to us on wajahat@ihrc.org and keep the pressure up by continuing to send follow-ups. A model letter is provided below in the Action Alert.
Click here to watch the message from IHRC chair Massoud Shadjerah about our fundraising and campaigning for those injured by police and army violence and the families of those killed. You can donate for Qurbani to help the families of those killed. Please CLICK here for more information to support the victims of police and army brutality in Nigeria and do share the fundraising video provided. They are in urgent need of our support please DONATE here and encourage others to do the same.
You can see photos of the world-wide demonstrations on IHRC’s website, Facebook and Twitter (@ihrc) pages. You can find detailed reports of demonstration in Nigeria in these digests and on our site.
To find out more about the Zaria massacre of 2015, read IHRC’s submission to the International Criminal Court here
To find out how you can help further, please visit the IHRC FreeZakzaky campaign page here
Free Zakzaky!
ACTION ALERT:
Please look at the five things you need to know and do alert, if you haven’t already. Those of you also wishing to contact the Minister of Foreign Affairs in your country can do so using the addresses below. A model email is also provided should you wish to use it. Please keep all correspondence polite.
Model Email
Subject: Immediate intervention in the deteriorating situation in Nigeria
Dear [insert the name of your Minister for Foreign Affairs here],
The continued violence used by the Nigerian authorities against peaceful, law abiding protestors calling for the release of Sheikh El-Zakzaky, must be stopped now. As many as 12 people were killed today, including a senior police officer, all killed by police fire.
I write to ask your office to make immediate interventions with the Nigerian authorities demanding they desist. Your office must seriously consider what punitive actions you can take unilaterally as well as part of international organisations, if necessary, in order to facilitate Nigeria’s compliance with basic human rights standards.
I trust you will make immediate representations.
I look forward to your response.
Yours sincerely,
[Your name]
Email addresses of recipients
Selected names and email addresses of Ministers of Foreign Affairs can be found HERE. Please contact us info@ihrc.org if you have trouble finding the details of your country’s Minister.
ARTICLES AND RESOURCES
IHRC Press Release: Court accused of delay tactics in Zakzaky medical emergency plea
29 July 2019
Attempts to secure the release of the embattled leader of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, Sheikh Ibrahim el-Zakzaky, have suffered a fresh setback with the adjournment of a court hearing today that was due to decide whether he should be freed to receive urgent medical treatment.
The Kaduna State High Court adjourned proceedings for the second time in as many weeks in what supporters say is a deliberate ploy to drag out proceedings so that the ailing sheikh’s condition deteriorates to the point of no return.
IHRC chair Massoud Shadjareh said: “This adjourment for one more week has gone beyond ridiculous. The court knows that the sheikh’s health is critical. It has to do the right thing which is to serve justice and stop politicking for the benefit of those who want to see Sheikh Zakzaky dead.” Click here to read more.
IHRC Press Release: NIGERIA – New levels of cruelty from the Buhari regime
27 July 2019
Responding to reports that the Nigerian government has proscribed the Islamic Movement as a terrorist group, IHRC Chair Massoud Shadjareh stated:
“If the reported proscription of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria is true, then this is a spectacularly cynical move on the part of the authorities. It is clear they wish to frustrate the growing pressure from inside Nigeria and around the world to release Sheikh El-Zakzaky and Mallima Zeenah.
“It is clear that the movement and its leaders are the innocents in this situation, and the Buhari regime the terroriser.”
24/7 Sit In protest continued infront of Nigerian High Commission London
28 July 2019
On day 18 of ongoing sit in protest in front of Nigerian High commission London, hundreds of protesters turned up today ahead of his case hearing tomorrow to demand immediate release of Sheikh Zakzaky. Below are few photos of today’s (day 18) protest.
Event Report: Free Zakzaky demo – Diyarbakir, Turkey
27 July 2019
Click here to see the event report and pictures of the protest that took place on Friday 26 July 2019, in Diyarbakir, Turkey.
Event Report: Free Zakzaky demo in Johannesburg, South Africa
27 July 2019
Protestors performed Friday prayers outside the Nigeria High Commission, and protested the detention of Sheikh Zakzaky in Nigeria. Click here for more pictures and the event report.
Event Report – Free Zakzaky demo in Ankara, Turkey
27 July 2019
Protestors took to the street for a rally after Friday prayers on 26 July. Click here for more pictures.
Event Report: Free Zakzaky protest – Dongri, Mumbai, India
26 July 2019
Protests took place across Dongri, Mumbai on 26 July 2019. Click here to see more photos.
Event Report: Free Zakzaky protest in Cape Town, South Africa
26 July 2019
Protestors in Cape Town, stood in silent solidarity with Sheikh El-Zakzaky after Friday prayers on 26 July 2019. Click here for more pictures.
Free Zakzaky Rally in Abuja on Friday the 26th of July
26 July 2019
Massive free Sheikh Zakzaky rally was held at Zone 3 Juma’a Mosque on Friday the 25th of July 2019. People were carrying posters of Sheikh as they called for his quick release from detention to attend to his health which worsens by the day.
PRESS STATEMENT: Three more have died in police custody
26 July 2019
Reports reaching the Islamic Movement in Nigeria have confirmed the death of 3 detainees, who were shot and held in Police custody at SARS headquarters, Abuja since Monday 22/07/19. They died on Wednesday 24/07/2019 because of bullet wounds they sustained during the free Zakzaky protest early in the week.
Not only that, more might die in police custody, because there are at least 15 people who are in the detention centre with various degrees of bullet wounds, without medication. Among them are women and a minor who has his leg shot. Click here for more details.
Event report: Free Zakzaky demo in New Delhi, India
26 July 2019
Protestors gathered outside the Nigeria High Commission after Friday prayers on 26 July 2019 to demand the release of Sheikh El-Zakzaky. Protestors handed in a memorandum to demand the ailing Sheikh’s immediate release from incarceration. Click here for more photos.
Free Zakzaky Peaceful Protest in Abuja on 25th of July
25 July 2019
Free Sheikh Zakzaky Peaceful protested completed successfully in Abuja today Thursday the 25th of July 2015. Thousands came out reiterating demand for the freedom of Sheikh Zakzaky. The protesters expressed that killings cannot break our resolve and determination. It kicked up from Area 1, Shopping Centre Abuja. Click here for more pictures.
Security forces Torture, Deny Access To Medical Care For Injured Protesters
25 July 2019
The protester arrested by Security forces on Wednesday the 24th of July was tortured by police before they dumped him by the roadside late evening. Brother Mahdi was severely tortured. The Police also poured hot water on his body causing damages on his body. Click here for more details.
Massive Free Zakzaky Protest in Abuja on Wednesday the 24th of July
24 July 2019
As usual free Zakzaky peaceful protesters took to street in Abuja on Wednesday the 24th of July 2019 condemning continued detention of Sheikh Zakzaky in spite of his deteriorating health. The protesters were chanting different slogan condemning Buhari regime for its atrocities. They also vow to continue the protest until Sheikh Zakzaky is released. Click here for more details and Photos.
PRESS STATEMENT: Stop police brutality, free Sheikh Zakzaky
24 July 2019
The Islamic Movement in Nigeria has called on the federal government to free its Leader Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky and halt the police brutality being shown its supporters during their free Zakzaky protests, especially in Abuja of recent.
This was made known to newsmen today in a press release signed by Sheikh Abdulhamid Bello Zaria, Chairman Shuhada Foundation of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria. Click here to read the full press release.
Police Raid Abuja Hospital, Evacuate Injured free Zakzaky Protesters
23 July 2019
In continuation of their crackdown on the peaceful free Zakzaky protesters, the Nigerian Police have raided the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada and evacuated 11 injured victims, who were earlier shot by them in Abuja during the Free Zakzaky protest. Click here for more details.
Breaking: Nigerian Police attacked Peaceful Free Zakzaky protesters
23 July 2019
Again Nigerian Joint Task Force opened fire on peaceful free Zakzaky protesters again today Tuesday the 23rd of July 2019. The peaceful protest kicked up and few minutes later the police descended upon the protesters with live ammunition. Many were either killed or injured, the figure cannot be ascertained as of now (23/07/2019). Click here to read more.
We exonerate ourselves from Journalist’s, Police commissioner’s death- Islamic Movement in Nigeria
23 July 2019
The Islamic Movement in Nigeria has distanced itself from the murder of the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of operations in the FCT, DCP Usman Musa, saying that he may have been a victim of friendly fire.
It also absolved itself from the killing of Channels TV reporter, Precious Owolabi, reiterating that his was a clear case of falling victim to a shooting spree embarked upon by the police yesterday. Click here for more information.
PRESS STATEMENT: 11 KILLED BY POLICE IN ABUJA FREE ZAKZAKY PROTEST
22 July 2019
Eleven people have been confirmed dead and at least 30 others seriously injured as the police attack a peaceful Free Zakzaky protest march in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
Ibrahim Musa, president of the Media Forum of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria told newsmen, in a press statement today that, trouble started when the police prevented the group who are on a peaceful protest from accessing their way to the federal secretariat. Click here for more details.
Press Release: Possibly a dozen killed after police and security open fire in Abuja
22 July 2019
Protestors demanding the release of Sheikh El-Zakzaky have faced deadly force again today on a much larger scale from police and security forces. Thus far reports suggest:
(i) possible 12 people were killed in total; 30 are estimated to be injured;
(ii) that a senior police office DCP Omar was also caught in police fire and killed;
(iii) 5 injured protestors were picked up by armed police whilst waiting for admission to the Emergency Unit at University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada. The police fired warning shots upon arrival, and the 5 have been taken to unknown destination(s).
Canadian Protesters Demand Immediate Release of Sheikh Zakzaky
21 July 2019
Hundreds of Canadians of all faiths and backgrounds battled the heatwave warning and gathered in the nation’s capital on July 19, demanding the immediate release of Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakaky leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) from the clutches of the Saudi backed Nigerian government after reports emerged of poisonous amounts of lead and cadmium was found in his blood. Click here for more photos and the event report.
PRESS STATEMENT: El-Zakzaky’s Fate lies with FG, not courts- Says Islamic Movement in Nigeria
21 July 2019
The Islamic Movement in Nigeria has called on the general public to disregard a recent statement made by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu claiming that the fate of its Leader, Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky lies with the courts not the federal government.
In a statement signed by President Media Forum of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, Ibrahim Musa, he wondered how the presidency will make such a claim, while it is on record that since December, 2016 a federal high court sitting in Abuja, presided by Justice Kolawole has freed Sheikh Zakzaky and restored his fundamental human rights, but the government has contemptuously refused to obey that court order. Click here for more details.
Thousands in Kano protest continued detention of Sheikh Zakzaky
20 July 2019
Massive free Zakzaky protest in Kano on Saturday the 20th of July 2019 calling for the unconditional release of Sheikh Zakzaky. Click here for more information.
Sheikh Zakzaky court hearing adjourned until 29 July
18 July 2019
Responding to news that the hearing of Sheikh Zakzaky has been adjourned until 29 July* Chair of IHRC, Massoud Shadjareh said: “The news that this case has been adjourned beggars belief. The health situation of Sheikh Zakzaky is extreme and all days could be catastrophic. The government needs to act now and release Sheikh and salvage whatever little reputation they have left on the international stage. We call on all campaigners world-wide to carry on their protests and campaign activities.”
Free Zakzaky Protest Renewed in Abuja on 18th of July
18 July 2019
fresh free Zakzaky protest renewed in Abuja on Thursday the 18th of July 2019 calling for the immediate release of Sheikh Zakzaky whose health’s condition deteriorates daily while in detention. Click here for more details.
Event Report: Free Zakzaky in Tehran
17 July 2019
#FreeZakzaky protest was arranged in front of Nigerian Embassy and Iranian foreign embassy in Iran. Click here for more photos.
Massive Free Zakzaky Protest in Abuja on 17th of July’ 19
18 July 2019
Supporters of the revered Sheikh Zakzaky came out en masse calling for his freedom in a protest they staged on Wednesday the 17th of Jully 2019 in Abuja.
Event Report: Free Zakzaky demo – Jakarta, Indonesia
17 July 2019
The protest took place on Wednesday, 17 July 2019, 1 PM, outside the Nigerian Embassy, Denpasar Raya Blok A-13, No.3,
South Jakarta. Click here for more photos.
VIDEOS
Appeal to Help Recent Nigeria Massacre Victims
Published on 01 November 2018 – IHRC Weekly
The Nigerian authorities have attacked the Islamic Movement of Nigeria leaving dozens dead. They need your help now.
Sheikh Zakzaky’s Case Update and what you can do
Published on 29 July 2019
Court has delayed ruling for Sheikh Zakzaky for another 7 days. Raza Kazim is outside the Nigerian High Commission with more on what you can do.
ARCHIVE
Click here to read the Arzu Merali’s blog on Sheikh Zakzaky “Zakzaky is not Thomas Becket; Buhari be warned” published on 22 February 2019.
Click here to read the IHRC Press Release published on 02 July 1998 “Nigerian junta should release all political prisoners regardless of their faith”
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IHRC is an NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.
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The opinions expressed in this email do not necessarily reflect the views of IHRC
