SPN Condemns the sustained attacks on members of Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN)

SPN Demands the Immediate and Unconditional Release of Ibrahim El-Zakzaky and other IMN members 

PRESS STATEMENT

The Socialist Party of Nigeria (SPN) condemns in strong terms the recent brutal attacks on members of the Shiite Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) by armed policemen while protesting for the release of their leader in Abuja. This action of the police at the behest of the intolerant Buhari government is undemocratic and unconstitutional. Over 100 IMN members were reportedly arrested and detained in the latest protest.

The SPN condemn the continued, unlawful detention of Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, the leader of IMN who was arrested alongside others after the brutal killing of over 300 IMN members by the military between December 12 and 14, 2015. The arrest and detention of Ibrahim El-Zakzaky was one in a series of brutality unleashed by the Military and the Police on the group that has led to many injuries, detention and deaths. Despite Court orders, President Buhari has refused to release Ibrahim El-Zakzaky and others.

The SPN demands the immediate and unconditional release of Ibrahim El-Zakzaky and other IMN members that are currently detained and an end to other forms of brutality on democratic rights. The SPN is also calling for adequate compensation to be paid to members of IMN and their families that suffered abuse, injuries and death. We also demand freedom of worship, recognition of the right of religious minorities and separation of religion from the State.

We warn that just like how Boko Haram developed, this continuous repression of the Shiites is capable of snowballing into armed conflicts. We therefore call on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the United Labour Congress (ULC) to also condemn the attacks and demand a halt to the repression.

Chinedu Bosah

National Secretary