Luanda, Angola – (African Boulevard News) – The Human Rights Watch (HRW) has accused the Angolan police of committing extrajudicial killings, claiming that over a dozen activists have been killed since January. The organization is calling on the government to investigate these reports of abuse and violations of human rights.
The HRW’s report, released on Monday, sheds light on the alleged brutality and violence carried out by the Angolan police. According to the organization, these killings are a clear violation of the rights to life and security of individuals, as well as a blatant disregard for the rule of law.
Angola has seen a rise in social and political activism in recent years, with citizens speaking out against corruption and demanding socio-economic reforms. However, these activists have often been met with a heavy-handed response from the authorities.
The HRW’s findings highlight the urgent need for a thorough and impartial investigation into these allegations. Lama Fakih, Crisis and Conflict Director at HRW, emphasized the importance of holding those responsible accountable, saying, “The Angolan government must take immediate action to end the impunity that allows these killings to continue.”
The report also underscores the need for the Angolan government to ensure the safety and protection of its citizens, as enshrined in international human rights standards. The government has a responsibility to uphold the rights and freedoms of its people, regardless of their political affiliations or beliefs.
This is not the first time that the Angolan police have come under scrutiny for their alleged use of excessive force. In 2018, Amnesty International published a report highlighting the killing of protesters and the arbitrary detention of activists. The report urged the Angolan authorities to take immediate action to end the violence and hold those responsible to account.
The Angolan government must now demonstrate its commitment to human rights and the rule of law by launching a prompt and transparent investigation into these extrajudicial killings. Transparency and accountability are crucial for rebuilding trust between the government and the citizens they serve.
For Angola to move forward as a democratic and just society, it is essential that the rights and dignity of its people are respected and protected. Only through a commitment to human rights can Angola truly achieve stability, progress, and prosperity for all its citizens.
The HRW’s report serves as a wake-up call for the government, highlighting the urgent need for action. It is now up to the authorities to respond swiftly and decisively, ensuring justice for those who have lost their lives and preventing further abuses from occurring.
URLs:
– https://www.africanews.com/2023/08/07/the-hrw-accuses-angolan-police-of-extrajudicial-killings/
– https://www.google.com/search?q=The+HRW+accuses+Angolan+police+of+extrajudicial+killings
