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MRA Condemns Justice Minister's Refusal
to Meet with Jailed Journalist
LAGOS, FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 1997: The Media Rights
Agenda [MRA] is dismayed by the reported refusal of the Committee on the
Prerogative of Mercy headed by the Minister of Justice, Chief Michael
Agbamuche [SAN] to meet with jailed journalist, Mrs. Chris Anyanwu, during
its recent visit to Kaduna Prison on Thursday, June 19, 1997.
The Minister’s explanation that he did not put her there
[in prison] negates the very essence of the Committee which he heads.
If nothing else, the fact that Mrs Anyanwu was transferred
from Gombe Prison in Bauchi State to Kaduna Prison for health reasons,
ought to have moved the Committee to inquire into the circumstances of her
imprisonment and the conditions of her health.
The attitude of the committee betrays a predisposition by
the government to humiliate and punish her and, perhaps, those in similar
situations.
The MRA expected that by now, the government would show
some remorse following the persistent local and international criticisms
which have exposed the hollowness of the trial process that led to their
conviction.
We think the committee acted unreasonably in the
circumstances and urge its members to conduct themselves in future as a
group capable of carrying out its duties with some independent-mindedness.
BACKGROUNDER
Mrs. Anyanwu is one of the four journalists serving a
15-year jail term following their conviction in July 1995 by a special
military tribunal headed by Brigadier-General Patrick Aziza which
subjected them to unfair secret trials. They were charged with the
offence of “accessory after the fact to treason” following news stories
published by their newsmagazines relating to an alleged coup plot to
topple the government of General Sani Abacha.
The Media Rights Agenda works for the promotion and
protection of press freedom and freedom of expression in Nigeria. It has
observer status with the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights
and is a component of the FEDERC FOUNDATION which is registered under
Nigerian Law as a non-governmental organization.
For further information, please contact:
Edetaen Ojo
Executive Director
Tel: 1-860456
Fax: 1-862412
E-mail: mra@rcl.nig.com
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