Cameroon - Kondengui, Buea Prison Riots: Cameroon Bar Association Opens Investigations Into Alleged Human Rights Violations

Par Atia T. AZOHNWI | Cameroon-Info.Net
YAOUNDE - 26-Jul-2019 - 18h05   3760                      
1
Me Charles Tchakoute Archives
Barrister Tchakoute Patie Charles, President of the Cameroon Bar Association has ordered an inquiry into the riots that took place at the Kondengui Central Prison and Buea Central Prison on July 22 and July 23 respectively.

The Bar President in a communique dated Wednesday, July 24, 2019, instructed the Commission on the Human Rights and Freedoms to probe both incidents in a bid to shed light on allegations of human rights violations.

Tchakoute notes that "on July 22, 2019, there was significant turmoil at the Yaounde-Kondengui Central Prison. The following day,  a similar incident occurred at the Buea Prison."

"Given the gravity of these incidents as reported by several sources, the president of the Cameroon Bar Association has instructed the Commission on Human Rights and Freedoms of the Bar, to initiate and undertake an investigation into all key aspects of these incidents. The said investigation should shed light on any violations of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms which may have been committed, and proffer recommendations to all entities concerned," the Bar President wrote. 

The communique indicates that the Bar's Human Rights Commission shall produce a comprehensive report of the investigation, which will be published in due course. 

Tchakoute Patie Charles writes that his communique is informed by the fact that the Bar plays a key role in the justice sector, urging the authorities to make prisons humane. 

His words: "As a major actor in the justice sector and keen societal observer, the Cameroon Bar Association urges the competent government authorities to seize this opportunity in order to provide, as a matter of urgency, holistic and durable solutions to the issue of incarceration in Cameroon."

On Monday, some detainees at the Kondengui Central Prison went amok supposedly over claims of poor detention conditions and lengthy pre-trial detentions. 

The protests turned violent with the burning of some installations at the detention facility. Two detainees were wounded by their peers. 177 persons believed to have spearheaded the mutiny are said to be detained at the gendarmerie and police where investigations are ongoing. 

In Buea, Tuesday's riot led to the burning of the library, food stores and reserves and the office of discipline. Two security forces were wounded while 43 detainees were injured. 

At least 20 inmates are now in the custody of the judicial police in Buea as investigations heat up.

Government spokesman Rene Emmanuel Sadi said the genuine grievances of detained compatriots will be given due consideration. 

He said the justice system "is working in all sovereignty but in a progressive manner to hear and determine the cases of these protesting detainees in all objectivity and fairness in compliance with the procedures in force."

Sadi said "in any event and beyond their insurgency, the government remains attentive to the appeals of these detained compatriots. The government will continue to work within the scope of its responsibilities to ensure that the procedures in progress are carried out in due diligence and that the independence of the judiciary is strictly respected." 

Auteur:
Atia T. AZOHNWI
 @T_B_D
Tweet
Facebook




Dans la même Rubrique