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Nigeria Digest #90

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Nigeria Digest #90

15 July 2019

Islamic Human Rights Commission
NIGERIA DIGEST 15 July 2019 (Volume 3 Issue 22)

Introduction
Action Alert
Articles
Videos
Archive

INTRODUCTION

The only surviving son of Sheikh Zakzaky made a desperate plea to expedite the release of his parents before it is too late. The life threatening medical condition of Sheikh Zakzaky triggered global protests demanding his release. Security forces once again attacked and killed at least 4 protesters and arrested hundreds of them in different Nigerian cities.

Click here to watch the weekly 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. 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.

We request campaigners to demand the Nigerian authorities release Sheikh Zakzaky and his wife for urgent medical treatment abroad. Please forward any responses you receive to us on wajahat@ihrc.org and keep the pressure up by continuing to send follow-ups. Two model letters are provided below in the Action Alert.

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:

1. Click here to learn the five things you can do to support the victims of violence in Nigeria. You can donate to support the medical expenses of those recently injured by Clicking here

2. Campaigners are asked to demand the Nigerian authorities release Sheikh Zakzaky and his wife for urgent medical treatment abroad. Two model letters, one for individual campaigners and one for the organisations are provided below. Please forward any responses you receive to IHRC at wajahat@ihrc.org.

UK based campaigners please Click here to send an email to Mr Olukunle A. Bamgbose, acting Nigerian High Commissioner in London UK.

Please share following action alert link with your contacts to encourage more people demand freedom for Sheikh Zakzaky: https://www.ihrc.org.uk/activities/22927-urgent-alert-nigeria-demand-urgent-medical-treatment-for-life-threatening-medical-condition-of-sheikh-zakzaky/

ACTION ALERT FOR INDIVIDUAL CAMPAIGNERS: Demand urgent medical treatment for Sheikh Zakzaky

Model letter for Individual campaigners
Please adapt the model below depending on who you are sending it to. The contact details you need are presented below the model. Please forward any response you receive to IHRC on wajahat@ihrc.org.

If you are emailing, please use the following in the subject line:
URGENT MEDICAL TREATMENT FOR SHEIKH ZAKZAKY
[Your name]
[Your address]
[Date]

[Insert name / address of
Person you are sending this to]

Dear [insert name],

I write to demand that Sheikh Zakzaky and his wife Mallima Zeenah are allowed to leave the country for urgent medical treatment.

In the last few days, Sheikh Zakzaky’s health has further deteriorated. Last month doctors examining the leader of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria have renewed pleas for him to be released in order to access medical treatment after finding high levels of lead toxicity in his body. The continued detention of both of these figures as well as hundreds of others has been a huge stain on the reputation of your government and Nigeria. By not allowing Sheikh Zakzaky and Mallima Zeenah, whose health continues to severely deteriorate as a result of injuries inflicted by your authorities, the medical treatment he needs, you are adding further evidence of your government’s inhumanity and cruelty.
I look forward to your confirmation of their release for treatment by return.

Your sincerely,
[Your signature if posting]
[Your name]

ACTION ALERT FOR ORGANISATIONS: Demand immediate release and offer to host Sheikh Zakzaky in your country for medical treatment.

Campaigning Organisations are requested to demand meeting with local Nigerian Embassy and offer to host Sheikh Zakzaky for urgent medical treatment in your country, using the model letter below.

Model letter for Organisations
Please adapt the model below and forward any response you receive to IHRC on wajahat@ihrc.org.
Click on following link to find the name, address and contact details of the relevant diplomat in your country:
https://www.embassypages.com/nigeria

If you are emailing, please use the following in the subject line:
MEETING TO DISCUSS URGENT MEDICAL TREATMENT FOR SHEIKH ZAKZAKY

[Your name]
[Your address]
[Date]
His Excellency [Insert Name]
Embassy Address

Your Excellency,

We are writing to you to raise our concerns about the life threatening medical condition and continued detention of Mu’allim Ibrahim Zakzaky. In the last few days, Sheikh Zakzaky’s health has further deteriorated. Last month doctors examining the beleaguered leader of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria have renewed pleas for him to be released in order to access medical treatment after finding high levels of lead toxicity in his body.

I am sure you are aware that Shaykh Zakzaky’s house was demolished and he was injured and arrested by the Nigerian military on 14 December 2015, and has been held since without any charges or a trial. Shaykh Zakzaky, whose health has rapidly deteriorated, is in need of special medical attention. Since his arrest, Shaykh Zakzaky has lost his sight in one eye and the use of one arm. Shaykh Zakzaky also suffered a stroke earlier this year which has further aggravated his dire condition.

The courts ordered Shaykh Zakzaky’s release and he should have been free since 15 January 2017, unfortunately the security services have continued to detain him contrary to court order.

Shaykh Zakzaky’s condition requires specialist medical attention and will need to go abroad to get the necessary treatment. We Name organization is happy to host Shaykh Zakzaky and his wife in Name Country and we will cover all the costs involved, including his travel, accommodation, medical expenses as well as any other expenses that may arise from the trip.

This matter has now dragged on for two years and has become a major blemish on Nigeria’s good name in the international arena. We urge you to use all your powers and influence to help bring about a swift and peaceful resolution.

We would like to request a meeting to discuss this matter further. Please provide a date and time you will be available to discuss how this matter can be resolved.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely,
NAME

CONTACT DETAILS

Nigerian Ambassador / High Commissioner in your country
Please find the name, address and contact details of the relevant diplomat in your country here:
https://www.embassypages.com/nigeria

ARTICLES AND RESOURCES

Son issues fresh plea for release of ailing Nigerian Muslim leader
15 July 2019

The son of the detained leader of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria has made a renewed plea to Nigerian authorities to expedite his release so that he can be given life-saving medical treatment.

The appeal comes as authorities appear to be procrastinating over an agreement to free Sheikh Ibrahim el-Zakzaky and his wife Zeenah who have both been in custody since they were detained following a savage military attack on the Islamic Movement of Nigeria in December 2015.

Sheikh Ibrahim el-Zakzaky has already lost sight in one eye and the use of one arm after receiving four gunshot injuries during the massacre. The lead toxicity is believed to be a direct result of the shrapnel from bullets left in his body.

The sheikh suffered a minor stroke earlier this month and his health is deteriorating daily. Nigerian authorities have promised to issue international passports to the pair so they can leave the country to allow Sheikh Zakzaky to access treatment for the critical levels of lead and cadmium toxicity in his body.

Click here for more information.

Update from Mohammed Ibraheem Zakzaky on his father
14 July 2019
Yesterday Saturday July 13th 2019, all of the members our Family with whom I said the “Authorities” discussed arrived in Kaduna to meet with my father and my mother. Sadly due to miscommunication, only I and a legal representative were allowed to meet them, the others were made to leave at gun point. My father has finally been allowed access to a phone, so for now we are able to communicate; a court date has been set; and many promises have been made. This is all I can say that is good news.The bad news is that my father has already suffered a second stroke.
Click here to read the full statement.

#FreeZakzaky demo in Istanbul, Turkey
14 July 2019
Demonstrators congregated to demand Nigeria release the Sheikh and his wife. Click here to see images and watch the video of the rally.

Free Zakzaky protest planned in India – Dongri, Mumbai
14 July 2019
#FreeZakzaky protest is planned in India tomorrow Tuesday, 16 July 2019. Click on above link to watch the protest promo video.

Day Free Zakzaky demo – Tehran, Iran14 July 2019
Protesters will demonstrate outside the Foreign Office on Imam Khomeini Street from 10am on Monday 15 July. The demonstration is scheduled to last 4 days

Free Zakzaky Protest Goes Global As The World Stands For Sheikh Zakzaky
13 July 2019

There has been a growing global free Zakzaky protests around the world calling for the immediate release of the leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria whose deteriorating health situation in detention has been on the downward trend.

From Australia to the United States there have been protest marches, sit-in, rallies, special prayer sessions and other forms of protest.

Rallies and protests have swept through Turkey, Pakistan, India, Iran, Lebanon and Iraq. Other places that witnessed some form of free Zakzaky protest include Canada, Switzerland, Brazil, Indonesia and Malaysia.

Click here for more details and the pictures of protests in different countries.

Two Protesters Killed by Police laid to Rest in Kaduna
13 July 2019
The funeral prayers and laying to rest of tow martyrs killed by Nigerian police witu the order of Buhari and Nasir Elrufai took place in Kaduna on Friday the 12th of July 2019. They are Shaheed Abubakar Aliyu Badiko, 13, and Shaheed Ahmad Nasir Maraba. They were brutally shot dead by the murderous Nigerian Police Force yesterday during the peaceful Free Zakzaky protest in Kaduna. Please click here for more details.

IHRC Press Release: Nigerian authorities taking steps to free detained Muslim leader
12 July 2019

IHRC has welcomed reports coming from the family of the detained leader of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, Ibrahim el-Zakzaky, and his wife Zeenah that moves are finally underway to release the pair so that the sheikh in particular can access urgently needed life-saving medical treatment outside the country.

A statement issued by their sole surviving son Mohammad says that Nigerian authorities have opened negotiations with prominent officials to effect their release but also expresses dismay that the wheels are turning much slower than necessary. Click here for more details.

Kaduna High Court Fixes July 18 To Hear Motion For Zakzaky’s Bail On Medical Grounds
12 July 2019

Thursday July 18th, 2019 has been fixed by the Kaduna State High Court to hear the motion for bail on health grounds filed by the defense lawyers of the ailing leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky and his wife.

The health situation of the duo have continued to deteriorate in detention, particularly that of the Sheikh, who is reportedly said to have suffered yet another mild stroke in addition to the very high toxic levels of heavy metals including lead.Click here for more details.

Latest Update On My Ailing Father Sheikh Zakzaky- Mohammed Zakzaky
12 July 2019

Since my last writing dated July 7th 2019, in which I spoke of the disturbingly deteriorating state of my parent’s health; members of our Family including myself have been contacted by “prominent officials in Authority.”

They promised to take all necessary steps to allow us to adequately attend to the urgent medical situation of my parents, in appropriate medical facilities outside of Nigeria. Since then certain preliminary steps have been taken by them to our satisfaction. However a whole lot more remains to be done.
Click here to read more details.

Free Zakzaky Protests in Kano and Lafia
12 July 2019
Like Abuja and Kaduna, similar Sheikh Zakzaky protests were staged in Kano and Lafia in Nasarawa state on Thursday the 11th of July 2019. Hundreds called on Buhari Regime to release Sheikh Zakzkay and his wife from unlawful detention for medical treatment.

Pakistan demonstrations for Sheikh El-Zakzaky
12 July 2019
Demonstrations after Jumuah have taken place across Pakistan today demanding the release of Sheikh El-Zakzaky and Mallima Zeenah. Below is a snapshot. #FreeZakzaky protests were organised in Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Hyderabad, Kashmore, Tando Allahyar, Matli, Shikarpor, Jacobabad, Tando Mohammad Khan and Gilgit.
Please click here for more details and the pictures.

Pro-Zakzaky supporters to hold London sit-in for “dying” sheikh
11 July 2019

Supporters of the illegally detained leader of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, Ibrahim el-Zakzaky are to start a three-day sit-in in London tonight as they ramp up the campaign for the beleaugered sheikh to receive urgently needed life-saving medical treatment.

The protest is being jointly organised by IHRC, Inminds and AIM and will take place outside the Nigerian High Commission in London, UK starting at 9.30pm.Click here for more information

Women Protesters Maltreated by Police on 11th July
11 July 2019

The Protest in Abuja on Thursday the 11th of June 2019 was peaceful since from the time it kicked up. It was later security forces teargassed the protesters and round of live ammunition. Several were injured.

The number of those arrested cannot be ascertained. The worse is that women were badly maltreated by security forces and their right violated, their covering (hijab) tore. Among those punished were children too.

Free Zakzaky Protest in Lagos on 11th July 2019
11 July 2019

The protest was organised by Human Rights Defenders and Advocacy Centre (HRDAC), Lagos. Click here for more pictures

Hundreds staged free Zakzaky Protest in Lagos on Thursday the 11th of July 2019 calling for the immediate release of Sheikh Zakzaky from unlawful detention for over 3 years. The protesters wee chanting different slogans in English and Yoruba language.

Two Pro Zakzaky Protesters Killed by Police in Kaduna
11 July 2019
Security Forces opened fire on Free Zakzaky Protesters in Kaduna on Thursday the 11 july 2019 killing two people and injuring scores at various degree. The peaceful protesters took to Ahamdu Bello way chanting different slogans as depicted in pictures below when suddenly attacked by Policemen, Scores were arrested. Click here for more details and the pictures.

Security Forces Again Open Fire On Free Zakzaky Protesters In Abuja, Kaduna
11 July 2019

The Nigerian Police Force has yet again opened fire on peaceful Free Zakzaky protest ongoing in Abuja to demand the release of Sheikh Zakzaky, whose health condition continues to deteriorate in detention. In the same vein, protesters in Kaduna were also attacked by the Police.

This is coming barely 48 hours after they killed 2 members of the Islamic Movement in similar circumstances at the National Assembly complex. The daily protest was peaceful yesterday because the police didn’t interfere or try to stop the protest. Click here for more details.

London protest to demand urgent medical treatment for Nigerian Muslim leader
09 July 2019

Human rights activists and supporters of the illegally detained leader of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria are to hold a protest in London today demanding his immediate evacuation from Nigeria in order to receive life-saving medical treatment.

New, more detailed examinations on the beleaguered sheikh have found that the levels of lead toxicity in his body are much higher than the critical levels previously reported. Click here for more information.

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.

The Zaria Massacre
Published on 14 December 2015
On al-Quds Day in July 2014, a unit of the Nigerian army opened fire on one of the 33 al-Quds Day demonstrations in Zaria, Nigeria. 40 were killed and many injured. This is the story of that day as uncovered by an IHRC team.