Punishing the Unnecessary Use of Force: Holding Accountable Those Responsible for the Crackdown in Guinea

Swift and Independent Investigation Urged in Guinea Protests

Introduction

Amnesty International has called on the Guinean authorities to conduct a swift and independent investigation into the violent repression of a peaceful rally on October 16th, which left three journalists injured. Thirteen journalists were also arbitrarily arrested during the event in Conakry, the capital of Guinea. The journalists were protesting against the restrictions placed on access to certain news websites. Amnesty International is demanding that the charges against the journalists be dropped immediately, as the blanket ban on demonstrations imposed by the authorities since May 2022 is considered unnecessary and disproportionate, violating freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly.

The Repression and Injuries

According to testimonies collected by Amnesty International, at around 8:30 a.m., police and gendarmerie vehicles surrounded the rally at the Port Autonome de Conakry. Despite the initial use of tear gas against the protesters, the journalists continued their march until they reached ‘Cité chemin de fer’, where the rally was violently dispersed.

One journalist, Mariama Bhoye Barry, was hit in the elbow with a tear gas cannister, as shown in a video she recorded herself. The video analysis conducted by Amnesty International reveals that a member of the security forces intentionally fired at the journalist while she was documenting their actions. The video also depicts Barry being violently arrested and taken away in a police vehicle. Another journalist, Ibrahima Foulamory Bah, was severely beaten when he tried to intervene between the security forces and Barry. He suffered significant injuries, including a broken neck bone, which requires four weeks of immobilization. A third journalist, Mariam Sall, was injured after being hit on the neck with a truncheon and forcibly loaded into a vehicle.

The Importance of Accountability

Amnesty International has expressed concern over the impunity that appears to prevail within the defense and security forces in Guinea. The repeated and unpunished unlawful use of force, including the intentional firing of tear gas cannisters directly at individuals, underscores the urgency to address issues of impunity. Since 2019, there have been multiple documented cases of protesters suffering serious injuries due to tear gas cannisters. The persistence of such practices highlights the need for accountability within the defense and security forces.

The lack of medical care provided to the three injured journalists during their eight hours of detention and questioning is also a violation of their rights. It is imperative that those responsible for the violent repression and the denial of medical care be held accountable for their actions.

Regional and International Attention

Amnesty International has called on the relevant special mechanisms of the United Nations and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights to pay close attention to the situation in Guinea. As the country’s political transition enters its final year in 2024, according to the agreed timetable between the Guinean authorities and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), it is crucial to maintain vigilance over the human rights situation in Guinea.

Editorial: Upholding Human Rights and Freedom of Expression

The violent repression of a peaceful rally and the arbitrary arrest of journalists in Guinea are unsettling developments that must be addressed. The Guinean authorities have a responsibility to conduct a swift and independent investigation into the events of October 16th and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.

Freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly are fundamental human rights that must be respected and protected. The blanket ban on demonstrations, which Amnesty International argues is unnecessary and disproportionate, only serves to further suppress the voices of the people and hinder the development of an open and democratic society.

Guinea must uphold its human rights commitments and take immediate steps to drop the charges against the thirteen journalists arrested during the peaceful rally. Furthermore, the defense and security forces must be held accountable for their repeated use of unlawful force, including the intentional targeting of journalists and the inappropriate use of tear gas cannisters.

Advice: Strengthening the Transitional Regime

As Guinea‘s political transition enters its final year in 2024, it is vital for the country to solidify its commitment to human rights and democratic governance. The transitional regime must take concrete steps to address the issue of impunity within the defense and security forces, ensuring that such violations are no longer tolerated.

Guinea should embrace its role as a member of the international community and actively engage with regional and international human rights mechanisms to address these concerns. By doing so, Guinea can demonstrate its dedication to human rights and work towards a more inclusive and accountable society.

In conclusion, Guinea must conduct a swift and independent investigation into the violent repression of the peaceful rally on October 16th, holding those responsible accountable for their actions. Upholding human rights, including freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly, is paramount in safeguarding democracy and fostering an open society.

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