Islamic Human Rights Commission
Nigeria Digest 23 November 2019 (Volume 3 Issue 34) 

During the last week, at least two innocent protesters were killed by direct fire from Nigerian police but nevertheless defiant demonstrators continued #FreeZakzaky protests in Nigeria.

You can find all the latest actions and information, as well as background to the campaign, videos and audio and details on the Sheikh on the Free Zakzaky campaign page. The Nigeria Digest is a weekly summary of the campaign to #FreeZakzaky and all who are illegally detained, focusing on the Islamic Movement of Nigeria.

Introduction
Action Alert
Articles
Videos
Archive
INTRODUCTION

During the last week Nigerian police opened fire on peaceful demonstrators in Zaria, killing at least two protesters named Muhammad Salisu and Aliyu Nasir. We request campaigners to keep the pressure on the African Union Secretariat by writing emails/letters, demanding justice for the victims of brutality in Nigeria and the immediate release of the Sheikh and all those unjustly imprisoned. 

Please help support those injured by police brutality, and the families of those killed by the security services by donating to the IHRC Trust’s Nigeria Fund here.

Above all please remember all the oppressed in your dua.#FreeZakzaky

ACTION ALERT: 

Please send an email to the African Union and demand their intervention in this case. A model letter and contact details of the African Union are provided below. Please forward any responses you receive to IHRC at wajahat@ihrc.org.

Model email / letter
If you are emailing, please use the following in the subject line:
African Union’s Failure To Save Innocent Lives

Your name
Your address
Date

H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat
Chair African Union Commission 
PO Box 3243 Roosevelt Street (Old Airport Area) W21K19,
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Dear H.E. Mousa Faki Mahamat,

Re: African Union’s Failure To Save Innocent Lives

Nigeria has been the subject of repeated complaints over its killings of supporters of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria. The African Union’s silence on this issue is putting more innocent lives at risk. Within the last two months Nigerian security forces have attacked various peaceful demonstrations of the Islamic movement, killing over a dozen protesters, while arresting, torturing, and injuring hundreds. Last week they attacked a Maulid procession, killing at least two peaceful marchers.

It is imperative that you apply pressure on the Nigerian authorities so they stop killing innocent people and immediately release the unlawfully detained leader of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria Sheikh Zakzaky and his wife Zeenah. They have been held in illegal detention for over three years.  You are doubtless aware of the details of his case. I am deeply concerned for their safety and security.

I urge your office to make it known in unconditional terms that further violations against the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, or indeed any other political or religious group will not be tolerated by the African Union.

I look forward to your speedy response outlining the actions your office will be taking.

Yours sincerely,
[Your signature if posting]
[Name]

African Union’s Contact Details:
Email: dic@africa-union.org 
Postal Address: PO Box 3243 Roosevelt Street (Old Airport Area) W21K19 Ababa, Ethiopia
Tel: +251 11 551 7844

ARTICLES AND RESOURCES

#FreeZakzaky Protest in Abuja by Sisters
18 November 2019
The sisters of the Islamic movement under the leadership of SHEIKH Ibrahim Zakzaky(h) staged a peaceful protest in Nigerian capital Abuja on Monday the 18th of November 2019 demanding for the unconditional release of the Sheikh.

#FreeZakzaky Protest in Abuja Nigeria
15 November 2019
Marking the occasion of Maulud during this week, #FreeZakzaky protest was arranged at Wuse Zone 3 to Wuse Market in FCT, Abuja. Demanding for immediate and unconditional release of Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky. 

Two Martyrs killed by Police in Kaduna state laid to rest
14 November 2019

On Thursday, 14 November 2019 an additional worshipper, Aliyu Nasir, has been shot dead by Nigerian police in Kaduna with order of Gov Nasir ElRufai while marking the Maulid in commemoration of the birthday of the Holy Prophet (S). 

This brings to at least two, the number of people killed today in Kaduna state while celebrating the Maulud. On the same day, police had killed Muhammad Salisu in Zaria in similar circumstances.

#FreeZakzaky Protest on Annual Maluid Procession
14 November 2019
Followers of Sheikh Zakzaky marked annual Maulid procession (Birthday of Prophet S) & #FreeZakzaky protest, from Wuse II to Utako; despite unprovoked attack by securities that injured 2 people.

VIDEOS

Occupy Buhari Protest in London
14 November 2019
On Thursday 14 November #FreeZakzaky protesters joined Occupy Buhari Protest in front of the official residence of the Nigerian High commissioner in London where president Buhari was staying. Protesters demanded justice and immediate release of all the activists detained by the Nigerian security services.

An Appeal for Victims of Violence in Nigeria
Published on 27 May 2019
The Nigerian authorities have attacked the Islamic Movement of Nigeria leaving dozens dead. They need your help now. Support medical costs for those injured in police and army violence against the Islamic Movement. Support the families of those killed.

ARCHIVE

Click here to read the summary of state breaches of the ICCPR in respect of the ongoing crackdown on the Islamic Movement of Nigeria dating from 2014

Click here to read the letter by IHRC Chair Massoud Shadjareh to the ICC regarding the preservation of Zaria massacre-evidence. published on 30 November 2017

——————————————————————————————
IHRC is an NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.

Islamic Human Rights Commission
PO Box 598
Wembley
HA9 7XH
United Kingdom

Telephone (+44) 20 8904 4222
Email: info@ihrc.org
Web: www.ihrc.org
Twitter @ihrc

The opinions expressed in this digest do not necessarily reflect the views of IHRC