Amnesty International says it is deeply concerned by the increasing “reckless” clampdown on social media commentary on the ongoing war in the Middle East by the Department of State Services (DSS)
In a statement on Thursday, the human right body claimed that the DSS has arrested at least two people in connection with their criticism of the Israel and United States attack on Iran.
“At least two persons — both resident in Kaduna — have been detained and one of them is about to be subjected to a sham trial based on bogus charges. We have also received reports of critics of America and Israel being ‘invited’ by the DSS. These targeted acts of repression undermine trust in the neutrality of state institutions and create a toxic climate of fear.
“Criticizing any country’s policies or its leaders isn’t violence. Opposition to a government’s policies is not hatred towards a country or its people. Equating criticism of policies of the governments of America and Israel with incitement is a dangerous distortion and sends a chilling message that peaceful dissent, including that related to America and Israel, are not tolerated in Nigeria.
“The bizarre targeting of critics of America and Israel is being done without any legal justification, as recognized under international human rights law.
“The Nigerian authorities must refrain from violating human rights online, including the right to freedom of expression and fulfil their constitutional and international human rights obligations,” Amnesty International said.
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