Why it matters:
This issue underscores the ongoing struggle for human rights in Nigeria, particularly the government's treatment of peaceful protests and the significant impact on the pro-Palestine movement.
The big picture:
Sheikh Zakzaky noted that Quds Day has been observed worldwide for 46 years without incident, yet in Nigeria, peaceful demonstrations are met with violence from the authorities. He remarked that this year's Quds Day saw government forces open fire on demonstrators, resulting in the deaths of 27 individuals.
What he is saying:
“This year, during Quds Day, they opened fire and killed 27 people. The soldiers who killed the demonstrators were from the Brigade Guard, soldiers who guard the president. We managed to pick up six bodies, but up till today, they have refused to give us the remaining 21 bodies of the martyrs. It is nine months now,” Zakzaky stated.
In addition to holding the bodies of the deceased, Zakzaky reported that 173 men and 12 women remain in Suleja and Kuje prisons despite a Federal High Court ruling exonerating them from false murder charges.
He criticized the government for responding to peaceful demonstrations with violence, stating, “It is a shameful thing that only in Nigeria... [the government responds] to demonstrations to show solidarity with the Palestinian people by opening fire on them.”
The Islamic Movement’s leader urged the Nigerian government and security forces to redirect their efforts towards combating armed terrorists and bandits rather than targeting peaceful protesters.
Go deeper:
Unyielding Support for Palestine: Zakzaky Vows to Continue Quds Day Protests
M.Majdi - Mojtaba Darabi
