From: Islamic Human Rights Commission

9 January 2018

PRESS RELEASE – Nigeria: IHRC urges Buhari to release IMN leader for urgent medical treatment

IHRC has written to the Nigerian President urging him to allow the detained leader of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria to fly abroad in order to receive urgently needed medical treatment.

In a direct appeal to President Buhari the letter highlights the deteriorating condition of Sheikh Ibrahim el-Zakzaky following a stroke last weekend.

The stroke has raised existing concerns over the health of Sheikh Zakzaky who was shot during a military assault against the IMN in December 2015 in which he lost the use of an arm and one eye.

Since the attack Sheikh Zakzaky has been in the custody of Nigeria’s domestic intelligence agency (DSS), detained without charge.

The immediate requirement is for Sheikh Zakzaky to be assessed by specialists in order to diagnose the extent of his injuries.

Sheikh Zakzaky is being held illegally by the DSS in flagrant violation of a High Court order ordering his release.

For media enquiries or further details please call +44 20 8904 4222 or +44 7958 522196 or +44 7426 728074[Ends]

Notes to editors:

In March 2016 IHRC petitioned the International Criminal Court to open a preliminary inquiry into the December 2015 massacre of IMN members. The report can be found here

[Ends]

——————————————————————————————

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