SERAP also urged Scotland to use the Commonwealth Charter to press the Nigerian authorities to promptly, thoroughly, impartially, transparently, and effectively investigate reports of the attacks.
In a statement by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP equally urged Scotland to press the Nigerian authorities to publish the outcome of any investigation, hold suspected perpetrators to account, and ensure access to justice and effective remedies for the affected journalists and peaceful protesters for any violations of domestic law and international standards.
SERAP urged Scotland to press the Nigerian authorities to uphold the rights of journalists to monitor and report on protests, ensure their safety, and ensure that journalists are not detained, threatened, attacked, or restricted when covering noteworthy events of public interest, such as protests.
In its urgent appeal, SERAP stated that the targeting of journalists with lethal or less-lethal force for doing their work is prohibited under the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights law, and is contrary to best law enforcement standards.
The statement further, highlighted that more than fifty journalists have been reportedly arrested for covering the protests.
