Indications that the annual Quds Day marches and rallies across the country may face violent attacks by security and police forces

IHRC is deeply concerned by indications that Nigerian security and law enforcement services are gearing up to attack the annual Quds Day march and rally in Abuja, as well as other marches and rallies nationwide.  The rallies and marches are usually organised by the Islamic Movement of Nigeria which has faced severe repression by various administrations.

Whilst the annual event has witnessed police and army violence in past years, including the shooting and killing of protestors, and arrests of peaceful protestors, it was hoped that the new administration would bring an end to these attacks.

Chair of IHRC, Massoud Shadjareh said:

“It will be a travesty if these fears are proven to be founded.  Nigeria observers have been hoping that Bola Tinbu’s administration would bring rogue elements in the police, army and intelligence services to justice and bring a culture of accountability into Nigeria politics.  A peaceful and unmolested Al-Quds Day across the country is an absolute pre-requisite for any such claims to hold true.”[ENDS]