Human Rights Watch (HRW) released a statement Sept. 6 condemning the treason charges leveled against protestors in Nigeria last month. A total of 124 people were arrested during the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria campaign in August, and 10 of those individuals have been charged with treason. The crime of treason can be punishable by death in the West African country.

HRW researcher Anietie Ewang said: "By charging protesters with treason, the Nigerian authorities are sending a troubling message about their intolerance for dissent.... In their relentless effort to suppress dissent, the Nigerian authorities are not only violating more rights and the rule of law, but also deepening public distrust in the government."

The 10 individuals charged with treason were made to appear at the Abuja Federal High Court on Sept. 2. The charge was presented on the basis of the accused allegedly "attempting to destabilise Nigeria, seeking to remove the president, waging war against the government, and inciting mutiny." As per Section 37 of the Nigerian Criminal Code Act, treason can be punishable by death.

The #EndBadGovernanceinNigeria campaign, which saw widespread protests across the nation, arose out of collective frustration at the acute economic hardship in the country.  The protests, which began on Aug. 1 and were planned to last for 10 days, took a violent turn and resulted in an estimated 21 deaths. They came to an end as a result of the strong police crackdown.

Under Article 40 of the Nigerian Constitution, "[e]very person shall be entitled to assemble freely." The crackdown on the protests has drawn much criticism from international rights organizations.

A new movement has been gaining traction on online platform X (formerly Twitter), under the name of #FearlessInOctober. Though the state was able to shut down the "10 days of rage" in August, the new movement signals a possible revival of the protest campaign.

From Jurist, Sept. 7. Used with permission.