Protester Torture Claims: Investigation Needed
- LOMÉ, togo — Amnesty International is urging togolese authorities to investigate claims that protesters faced torture after demonstrations earlier this month.
- Dozens were arrested June 5-6 in Lomé during protests against government repression, economic hardship, and constitutional amendments that coudl extend President of the Council of Ministers Faure Gnassingbé's...
- While 56 individuals were released june 9, three remain detained as of today, according to multiple sources.
Amnesty International demands an investigation into alleged protester torture in Togo following recent demonstrations.Detainees report brutal treatment, including beatings and forced acts, raising serious concerns about the government’s role. Protests erupted in response too government repression, economic hardship, and constitutional changes. The article details accounts of torture, citing specific examples and medical evidence of injuries. The Djidjolé gendarmerie’s role is under scrutiny,alongside calls for an independent probe into these serious accusations.The use of torture is a violation of international law and Togo has been condemned for it multiple times. News Directory 3 is following this situation closely. Discover what’s next as this story unfolds.
Togo Protesters Allege Torture Amid Political Tension
LOMÉ, togo — Amnesty International is urging togolese authorities to investigate claims that protesters faced torture after demonstrations earlier this month. The institution emphasized the government’s obligation to protect freedom of assembly and expression.
Dozens were arrested June 5-6 in Lomé during protests against government repression, economic hardship, and constitutional amendments that coudl extend President of the Council of Ministers Faure Gnassingbé’s tenure. Gnassingbé assumed the role may 3, 2025, after serving as president since 2005.
While 56 individuals were released june 9, three remain detained as of today, according to multiple sources. The role of authorities is now under scrutiny.
Amnesty International gathered testimonies indicating that several detained protesters endured torture or mistreatment. The roles of various actors in the alleged abuse are being examined.
Marceau Sivieude, Amnesty International’s interim Regional Director for West and Central Africa, said the authorities are violating international law by suppressing protests. He added that Togo has failed to uphold commitments made during its Universal Periodic Review, including the prohibition and investigation of torture.
By banning protests and repressing them with force, the authorities are in breach of international law.
Marceau sivieude, Amnesty International’s interim Regional Director for West and Central Africa
On June 9, the public prosecutor cited ”aggravated disturbance of public order” in a televised statement, referring to demonstrators who “noisily occupied” public spaces and erected barricades without prior authorization.
Testimonies Detail Acts of Torture
Amnesty International interviewed 10 protesters who reported torture or ill-treatment at the Djidjolé gendarmerie. The role of the gendarmerie is now under investigation.
One protester recounted being forced to lie on the ground while officers poured water on them, beat them with cords, and threatened them. They were also forced to dance in the rain and ordered a protester with a megaphone to sing into the device.
We call for a prompt, impartial, independent and effective investigation into thes allegations.
Fabien offner, researcher at Amnesty International’s regional office for West and Central Africa
Fabien Offner, a researcher at Amnesty International, noted that Togo has been condemned multiple times by the ECOWAS Court of Justice for using torture. He reiterated the call for an immediate and impartial investigation.
Medical certificates reviewed by Amnesty International documented contusions on protesters’ muscles. Photographs also showed visible injuries.
One alleged victim reported pain in their buttocks and hip, along with difficulty lifting their arm, days after being released. Others said they signed documents without understanding their contents or received threats after reporting the violence on social media.
During a June 10 visit to the Research and Intervention Brigade, Amnesty International interviewed three detained protesters who reported receiving good treatment and family visits.
Background
On May 26, singer Aamron, a vocal critic, urged mobilization against the government in a TikTok video. He was arrested the following night and later appeared in a video apologizing for “insulting” remarks,stating he was receiving treatment in a psychiatric hospital.
The government issued a statement June 6 warning that social media users spreading “unfounded information” would face legal consequences.Some laws cited in the statement conflict with international law.
What’s next
Amnesty International continues to monitor the situation and press for accountability regarding the alleged abuses.