Detained Activist in Angola Ignored by Authorities for Over 500 Days, Despite Court Order for Release

Angola Must Release Activist Tanaice Neutro

Amnesty International has called on Angolan authorities to immediately release activist and musician Tanaice Neutro, who has been detained for over 500 days and is suffering from severe health issues. Neutro was arrested in January 2022 after sharing a video online in which he called Angolan President João Lourenço a “clown” and criticized the country’s authorities for being “ignorant.” Despite being ordered for release due to his ill health by a court in October 2022, Neutro remains in arbitrary detention.

A Travesty of Justice

Amnesty International’s Deputy Director for East and Southern Africa, Tigere Chagutah, has labelled Tanaice Neutro’s continued detention as a “travesty of justice.” Neutro suffers from severe physical health conditions, including intense headaches and fever. He urgently requires surgery for a condition that prevents him from receiving proper nutrition, and there are also grave concerns over his mental health. Amnesty International has warned that Neutro’s ongoing detention and denial of medical care may amount to torture and other ill-treatment.

Violation of the Right to Protest

Peaceful protest is not a crime, and without it, there can be no contribution to debates on matters of public interest and no positive change. Angolan authorities must immediately stop suppressing and criminalizing dissent and instead respect, protect, promote, and fulfill the human rights of everyone, including the rights to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly. The right to protest is facing unprecedented threats globally, and in its flagship campaign, Protect the Protest, Amnesty International is working to expose when the right to protest is being violated and support movements worldwide. The campaign calls on governments to send a clear message that protesters should be protected and to remove unnecessary barriers and restrictions to peaceful protest.

Conclusion

The Angolan government must comply with its obligations under international human rights law and ensure Tanaice Neutro receives urgent medical attention. Moreover, authorities must release him and all others who are being detained for exercising their right to protest and dissent immediately and without conditions. It is time for the Angolan government to listen to the voices of its people and respect their desire to express their views peacefully. The international community and human rights organizations should step up their efforts to give a voice to Tanaice Neutro and others who are facing similar situations.