A rights group, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, (SERAP), on Sunday, condemned the harassment, repression and arbitrary arrests by Nigerian law enforcement and security agents of anti-rape activists who have been peacefully protesting outside the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly, COZA. SERAP through a statement on Sunday described the arrests in the Abuja branch of the church as condemnable. “The Nigerian authorities must immediately and unconditionally release all those detained and allow them to exercise their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. “While law enforcement and security agents have a responsibility to provide public security, they need to abide by human rights standards on the use of force. “The allegation of use of excessive force against peaceful protesters demanding justice for alleged rape against a popular pastor urgently demands a fully independent investigation,” the statement reads.

Source: Nigerian Tribune June 30, 2019 15:56 UTC