Angola’s Detention of Activist Sparks Outrage and Demands for Protest Rights

Amnesty International has called for the immediate and unconditional release of Tanaice Neutro, an Angolan activist who was arrested seven months ago for protesting against corruption, repression and poverty in the country. The organization has also launched the #ProtectTheProtest campaign in Angola to highlight the government’s efforts to repress the right to protest. Over the past few years, the Angolan authorities have demonstrated a determination to crush dissent, limit the people’s rights to freedom of expression and assembly, and unduly limit the right to peaceful protest. This has resulted in the arbitrary arrest and killing of protesters. The Angolan government has consistently used excessive force to disperse peaceful protests, suppress dissent and muzzle opposition.

The current crackdown on the right to protest has created a chilling effect on the activities of activists in Angola. Some have been put behind bars while others have been killed solely for peacefully exercising their right to protest. The case of Tanaice Neutro is a perfect example of the government’s repression. Neutro is a popular artist who often uses kuduro, a type of Angolan music, to express himself about social issues in the country. He was arrested on 13 January 2022, and despite being handed a suspended sentence of 15 months for causing outrage against state symbols, he remains in prison.

Neutro’s condition has worsened since he was detained; he is experiencing severe headaches, fever, and needs surgery for a condition that prevents him from receiving proper nutrition. His deteriorating condition has not moved the prison authorities to provide him with adequate medical care, creating concerns for his health. Furthermore, his prolonged detention and the denial of access to necessary medical care by the authorities may amount to torture or other ill-treatment.

The Angolan government’s suppression of the right to peaceful protest has also resulted in the use of excessive force by the security forces to deal with infringements of public health measures and peaceful demonstrations. Protests against the high cost of living in the mining town of Cafunfo in Lunda Norte province and demonstrations against police violence in February 2021 in Luanda were met with police violence, resulting in the death of dozens of activists. In August 2022, 12 people were rounded up, arrested and tortured by 50 agents of the Angolan National Police and Criminal Investigation Service agents in Benguela after they attempted to demonstrate against alleged irregularities in the general elections held on 24 August.

The Angolan authorities must stop criminalizing the right to peaceful protest. Peaceful assembly is not a crime. The authorities should instead guarantee the right to protest if they are committed to openness. This alarming trend towards repression, and the crackdown on human rights in Angola and other parts of the world, can only paint a gloomy picture of the future. Governments should instead be promoting dialogue and respecting the rights of their citizens.

Activism–humanrights,Angola,activism,protest,detention