Original Source: www.hrw.org
In Douala, Cameroon, on November 27, the human rights lawyer Richard Tamfu faced a brutal arrest by gendarmes, as they stormed in to apprehend one of his clients. The incident escalated when Tamfu, questioning their authority, was thrown into the back of their truck, where he endured merciless beatings. “They kicked me, pressed their hands on my neck, jumped on me with their boots,” Tamfu recounted, his voice filled with pain and indignation.
Footage captured by a passerby reverberated through social media, showcasing the horrifying scene of uniformed officers brutally stomping on an immobilized Tamfu, as onlookers helplessly cried out for justice. This shocking display of aggression not only showcased the severe risks faced by lawyers in Cameroon, it also drew international attention to the systematic suppression of legal professionals in the region. After this harrowing assault, Tamfu was released but left nursing serious injuries, now confined to a hospital bed.
Two days later, Tamfu took a brave stand, filing a complaint against the local gendarmerie chief for “complicity to torture,” while the head of the national gendarmerie vowed to investigate the incident. Unfortunately, this violent pattern against lawyers is not new in Cameroon, where arbitrary arrests and police brutality are pitfalls of the profession. Only weeks earlier, another human rights lawyer, Atoh Walter M. Tchemi, faced similar aggression in Kumba.
The authorities must put an end to this relentless targeting of legal advocates, ensuring a proper, independent investigation into Tamfu’s terrifying ordeal. Accountability is paramount if justice is to prevail in a land where the law seems to be bent by those sworn to protect it. The story of Richard Tamfu is a clarion call for change and underscores the critical importance of defending the defenders.
In Cameroon, a troubling trend has emerged where lawyers are increasingly facing violence, harassment, and arbitrary arrests while advocating for their clients. Amid ongoing social and political strife, this systemic targeting aims to stifle dissent and instill fear among legal professionals. Incidents such as the beating of Richard Tamfu represent not just personal assaults but a broader assault on human rights and the rule of law, compelling society to grapple with the worsening climate for justice in the nation.
The brutal attack on Richard Tamfu is not an isolated incident but rather a part of a disturbing pattern of violence against lawyers in Cameroon. To reclaim justice and protect the rights of professionals, the authorities must commence credible investigations and hold violators accountable. As advocates for human rights face these grave threats, it is crucial for society to stand united in support of those who relentlessly defend the dignity of others under the law.
