Iran Press/Europe: Nigerian protestors, who have numbered in thousands over the course of the protest, are demanding that the Nigerian authorities immediately release Sheikh Ibrahim al-Zakzaky who they say needs to receive urgent life-saving treatment abroad.
Well known in Nigeria and across the Shia Muslim world, Sheikh Zakzaky is the founder of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria which has spearheaded a major protest movement condemning the Nigerian authorities over corruption, Hausatv reported.
Attempts to secure the release of the embattled leader suffered a fresh setback with the adjournment of a court hearing on Friday that was due to decide whether he should be freed to receive medical treatment.
The London-based Islamic Human Rights Commission, (IHRC) has previously called on the Nigerian government to immediately release the cleric and send him abroad for urgent medical treatment.
In recent weeks, dozens of supporters in Nigeria have been killed or wounded as they intensified protests demanding the pair’s release. Demonstrations have erupted all around the world to seek to pressurize the Nigerian government to restore their freedom.
Related news:
IMN: Nigerian troops kill 20 supporters of Sheikh Zakzaky this week
11 killed, 30 injured as security forces attack Zakzaki supporters
Sheikh Zakzaky who has been in prison since December 2015, was reportedly poisoned in prison and requires urgent medical care abroad, according to members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN).
According to reports, Sheikh Zakzaky lost the sight in his left eye in a 2015 raid by security forces, which left more than 300 of his followers, and three of his sons dead. His wife also sustained serious injuries.
At the same time, Nigerian Shi'a Muslim group announced that it had suspended a series of protests calling for the release of its detained leader and will temporarily seek other avenues to secure his release, due to security implications.
It is while in 2016, Nigeria’s federal high court ordered his unconditional release from jail following a trial, but the government has so far refused to set him free. Meanwhile, the Nigerian government's restrictions against the Islamic movement has enhanced. 104/208
Read more:
Protesters in London demand Zakzaky's release
'Free Zakzaky' protest held in Nigeria's Kano
Zakzaki's supporters gather before Nigerian embassy in London
