SERAP Reports FG Commonwealth Over Attack on Journalists Covering Protests

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on the Commonwealth to hold the Nigerian authorities accountable for reports of attacks on journalists covering the protests and peaceful protests in some parts of the country.

Nigerians from August 1 took to the streets to protest the rising cost of living, calling on the federal government to end bad governance in the country.

However, reports have shown attacks on protesters as well as men of the press covering the nationwide demonstrations, especially in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, the seat of power.

The group sent an urgent appeal to Ms Patricia Scotland QC, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, urging her to “apply the Commonwealth Charter to press the Nigerian authorities to promptly, thoroughly, impartially, independently, transparently and effectively investigate reports of attacks on journalists covering the protests’ in Nigeria and on peaceful protesters.”

SERAP also urged Ms Scotland to “press the Nigerian authorities to publish the outcome of any investigation and to hold suspected perpetrators to account and ensure access to justice and effective remedies for the affected journalists and peaceful protesters for any violations of domestic law and international standards.”

It noted that the Nigerian authorities must “uphold the rights of journalists to monitor and report on protests and ensure their safety, as well as ensure that journalists are not detained, threatened, attacked or restricted when covering noteworthy events of interest to the public, such as protests.”

In the appeal (tagged urgent) dated August 3, 2024, and signed by SERAP deputy director, Mr Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “The targeting of journalists with lethal or less-lethal force for doing their work is prohibited under the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights law and contrary to best law enforcement standards.”

“Those violating such standards must be subject to accountability and disciplinary processes. The Commonwealth should take a clear stand to ensure accountability of institutions, media freedom and peaceful assembly in Nigeria,” the group noted.

The Urgent Appeal, copied to Mr António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations; and Mr Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, emphasised that, “The Nigerian authorities over the years have repeatedly demonstrated that it is not committed to protecting human rights.”

“Respect for Commonwealth values is essential for citizens to trust Commonwealth institutions. The Commonwealth ought to take a strong stand for the protection of human rights and media freedom in Nigeria, principles which are fundamental to the Commonwealth’s integrity, functioning and effectiveness of its institutions.”

“According to the UN Special Rapporteurs and Human Rights Committee, the right to peaceful assembly is an individual right, not a collective right, and must be treated as such. Any isolated act of violence by some participants must not be attributed to other participants in the assembly.”

“According to our information, security agents attacked journalists and some peaceful protesters in Abuja and other parts of the country. Security agents reportedly tear gassed and shot at journalists and peaceful protesters, chasing and shooting at fleeing journalists.”

“According to reports, bullets pierced a Premium Times reporter’s car conveying journalists out of the location at three different locations in Abuja. Journalists inside the car shot by security agents are those of The PUNCH, The Cable, Premium Times, and Peoples Gazette,” it added.