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Angola: Police must protect protesters, not punish them
Ahead of planned peaceful demonstrations in Benguela and Luanda on 26 November 2016 against the appointment of Isabel dos Santos, the daughter of President José Eduardo dos Santos and head of the state-owned oil company Sonangol, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for Southern Africa Deprose Muchena said:
“This weekend the authorities must allow protesters to exercise their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. Public demonstrations should not be used as an opportunity to punish criticism.”
“Angolan authorities have gone all-out in recent years to suppress dissenting voices, including by using security forces to arbitrarily arrest, imprison and even disappear those who stand up to ask for accountability and good governance.”
“We urge the Angolan police to exercise restraint and ensure the safety of all protesters.”
Background
President José Eduardo dos Santos appointed his daughter, Isabel dos Santos, to head the state-owned oil company Sonangol on 2 June 216.
Those who have called for the protest object to her appointment.
“This weekend the authorities must allow protesters to exercise their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. Public demonstrations should not be used as an opportunity to punish criticism.”
“Angolan authorities have gone all-out in recent years to suppress dissenting voices, including by using security forces to arbitrarily arrest, imprison and even disappear those who stand up to ask for accountability and good governance.”
“We urge the Angolan police to exercise restraint and ensure the safety of all protesters.”
Background
President José Eduardo dos Santos appointed his daughter, Isabel dos Santos, to head the state-owned oil company Sonangol on 2 June 216.
Those who have called for the protest object to her appointment.
