Call for Release of Detainees and Fair Trial Rights in Chad

Amnesty International calls for the immediate release of ten relatives of the late opposition leader Yaya Dillo Djerou, detained despite acquittal. The organization emphasizes the need for transparency in legal proceedings and the protection of the rights of all detainees. The oppressive actions of Chadian authorities against opposition members raise serious concerns regarding human rights in the country.

The Chadian authorities must promptly release ten relatives of the slain opposition leader Yaya Dillo Djerou, who remain unjustly detained in Koro Toro maximum security prison despite being acquitted of all charges in July. These individuals were wrongfully imprisoned after the military’s brutal assault on Djerou’s political party headquarters in February. Amnesty International emphasizes the need for due process and fair trial rights for all detained, including the fourteen others who have already been convicted and are appealing their sentences.

Amnesty International’s Regional Director for West and Central Africa, Samira Daoud, condemned the arbitrary detention of the acquitted individuals, highlighting it as a violation of human rights. The group remains incarcerated under harsh conditions, 600 km from the capital, without adequate legal representation or contact with their families. The organization has urged authorities to clarify the charges against those convicted and to facilitate fair legal proceedings according to national and international mandates. Additionally, Daoud condemned broader oppressive tactics employed against opposition members, citing a worrying trend of government repression.

The alleged killing of Yaya Dillo Djerou during a military operation targeting his party has sparked international concern regarding ongoing human rights violations in Chad. Reports indicate the assault aimed to suppress opposition sentiment, with many supporters facing risks to their safety and freedom. Amnesty International reiterates the necessity for Chadian authorities to restore human rights protections, immediately release those acquitted, and uphold legal obligations regarding fair trials.

Moreover, concerns have risen over the condition of other PSF members who have been detained without charge, such as Robert Gam and Abakar Torabi. Amnesty International demands an end to incommunicado detentions, ensuring that any detained individuals receive appropriate legal rights and protections against unlawful imprisonment. By taking these steps, Chad can begin to address the ongoing human rights crisis affecting the nation’s opposition members.

The situation stems from a violent confrontation on February 27, 2024, when Chadian security forces attacked the headquarters of the Socialist Party without Borders, leading to the death of its leader, Yaya Dillo Djerou. Following the incident, numerous family members and supporters were arrested in what has been characterized as a heavy-handed crackdown on dissent. The subsequent trial and detention practices have raised significant human rights concerns, prompting demands from organizations like Amnesty International for transparency and accountability within the judicial process.

In conclusion, the arbitrary detention of relatives of Yaya Dillo Djerou, despite legal acquittal, exemplifies the urgent need for systemic legal reforms within Chad to protect human rights. The widespread reports of inadequate legal representation and ongoing harassment against political opponents underscore the necessity for the Chadian government to comply with international human rights standards. Establishing fair trial practices and maintaining transparency in legal proceedings are crucial steps toward fostering a more just and equitable society.

Original Source: www.amnesty.org