Activist once again detained on bogus charges

Members of opposition and pro-democracy movement FNDC announced they were holding a protest on 29 September against President Condé’s candidacy for the 18 October presidential elections. The protest was banned by local authorities on 22 September. The municipal authorities invoke the incompatibility between the ongoing electoral campaign and other marches.

A few days before, President Condé announced the extension of restrictions measures, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including ban on public gatherings over 100 people and national movement restrictions, until October 2020. Rallies held by government supporters in recent days have nevertheless been allowed.

Oumar Sylla was freed from Conakry prison, in the Guinean capital, a month ago after the judge dismissed all charges against him and ordered his release. He had been arbitrary detained for 132 days from April to August 2020.

In the report “Marching to their deaths. Justice for victims of crackdown on demonstrations in Guinea” published on 1 October (https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/afr29/2937/2020/fr/), Amnesty International documented at least 70 arbitrary arrests in Guinea from October 2019 to July 2020. Arrests of citizens for solely exercising their rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and expression. At least 50 people were killed by police and army members during the same period in protests.