A prominent human rights watchdog on Tuesday called on the Ugandan authorities to cease assaults on journalists and protesters and make sure that law enforcement observed the rights of demonstrators during mass rallies in the country
MOSCOW (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 21st August, 2018) A prominent human rights watchdog on Tuesday called on the Ugandan authorities to cease assaults on journalists and protesters and make sure that law enforcement observed the rights of demonstrators during mass rallies in the country.
The protests started last week after six opposition parliamentarians, two journalists and dozens of other people were arrested by the authorities during a scuffle between supporters of two rival politicians ahead of the August 15 by-elections. One person was killed by the police. Reports about the law enforcements violence toward those arrested only escalated the protests, which continue to be suppressed by police. The authorities also continue arresting journalists who cover these events.
"Beating and arresting journalists is evidence the authorities want to cover up security forces conduct and curtail the publics access to information. Ugandan security forces should show restraint while policing protests, acting lawfully and with full respect for human rights law, and let journalists do their job," Oryem Nyeko, the Africa researcher at Human Rights Watch, said in a statement.
The Ugandan government should ensure transparent investigations into the recent killing and mistreatment of protesters and media, the statement noted. If these cases were not probed, the rallies would escalate further, the HRW added.
The watchdog also called on the military and police to ensure the protection of Ugandans' rights to free assembly and speech.
