‘RevolutionNow’: SERAP Calls For Unconditional And Immediate Release Of Arrested Protesters

The Socio-Economic Right And Accountability Project (SERAP) on Monday called for the immediate and unconditional release of the ‘RevolutionNow’ protesters and a journalist.

This is even as it threatened to take international legal action if the arrested persons continue to remain in detention.

The arrest of the protesters followed a a gathering by some group of persons that gathered at the National Stadium, Surulere in Lagos state for the a peaceful march.

The crowd was, however forcefully dispersed by armed police personnel, who arrested some of the protesters including a journalist with an online news platform, Sahara Reporters.

The reporter, who was recognised and identified by his professional colleagues, was alleged to have failed to show any form of identification before he was arrested.

SERAP specifically condemned the highhanded action of the security operatives in a series of tweets on Monday.

While stressing that Nigerians deserve and have the right to exercise their constitutional and internationally recognised human right to peaceful protest without fear of being targeted, SERAP noted that; “Sections 39 (1) and 40 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended) is clear.

“Stopping people from peacefully exercising their freedom of expression and right to protest is unacceptable and illegal.

“Whoever approved this needs a remedial course in constitutional law.

“We’re concerned about the reported arbitrary arrest by police of some ‘RevolutionNow’ protesters and a journalist.

“The Nigerian authorities should immediately and unconditionally release all peaceful protesters. We’ll pursue international legal action if they’re not released.”

SERAP insist that the situation in Nigeria should not be different from that of Hong Kong and Puerto Rico.