After over a year in arbitrary imprisonment, five activists in Angola have finally regained their freedom. This joyous moment was celebrated by Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, Sarah Jackson, who expressed relief that Neth Nahara, Adolfo Campos, Gildo das Ruas, Tanaice Neutro, and Pensador are now reunited with their families. However, she emphasized that their imprisonment was unjust and a violation of their rights to free expression and peaceful assembly.
Amnesty International pushed tirelessly for these activists’ release through global petitions, public statements, and support for their families and legal teams. These imprisonments stemmed from a TikTok video recorded by Nahara, which criticized President Joao Lourenço, leading to her arrest in August 2023. The others were detained in September while preparing to support motorcycle taxi drivers at a protest.
Despite their release, Jackson reminded the world that the fight for rights in Angola is far from over. The government must take responsibility for the unjust detention of these activists and acknowledge the denial of medical care they experienced, particularly for urgent health needs and daily medication. Jackson called for an end to the harmful practices of arbitrary detention, torture, and the suppression of free expression throughout Angola.
Five government critics in Angola, including Neth Nahara, have been released after more than a year of arbitrary detention. Their imprisonment was condemned by Amnesty International, which advocated for their freedom. The activists faced health deprivations during their time in prison and have now been urged to receive proper medical care. The ongoing need for political and social reform continues to resonate in discussions about human rights in Angola.
The release of five Angolan activists is a significant victory in the ongoing struggle for human rights and freedom of expression. However, it underscores the continuing need for vigilance against arbitrary detention and the importance of holding the government accountable for past abuses. As these activists begin to heal and reintegrate into society, the hope remains that Angola will evolve towards greater respect for democratic freedoms and human rights for all its citizens.
In late December 2024, President Joao Lourenço granted pardons to five notable activists following extensive public outcry and international advocacy from organizations like Amnesty International. The activists, including social media influencer Neth Nahara, had faced imprisonment for their expression of dissent against the government. During their time in detention, they were subjected to deprivation of medical care and human rights violations, worsening their circumstances. Amnesty International’s efforts highlighted the injustices faced by these activists and aimed to galvanize support from the global community to effect change and uphold human rights standards in Angola. The activists’ cases are emblematic of the broader issues pertaining to freedom of speech and assembly in the country.
Original Source: www.amnesty.org
