Cameroon/Pakistan/LRWC: Oral Statement: Human Rights situations that require the Council’s attention | Oral Statement to the 35th Session of the UN Human Rights Council

June 16, 2017

Oral Statement to the 35th Session of the UN Human Rights Council from Lawyers’ Rights Watch Canada (LRWC), NGO in special consultative status

Pakistan and Cameroon: Systematic failure to ensure protection of lawyers and defenders

Mr. President:

Lawyers’ Rights Watch Canada is gravely concerned about situations in Pakistan and Cameroon requiring the Council’s attention due to systematic failure to ensure protection of lawyers and human rights defenders.

In Pakistan, hundreds of jurists, court officials and defenders have been attacked and summarily executed by armed non-state individuals or mobs over the past decade including dozens killed in the past year alone. Pakistan has failed to exercise its duty to investigate and remedy these attacks and has failed to provide effective protective measures.[1]

In Cameroon, dozens of civilians, including jurists, academics, journalists and other defenders are being taken before a military tribunal in violation of international human rights law. Denied fair trial rights, they face capital charges for exercising rights to freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly and political participation.[2]

For defenders in both Pakistan and Cameroon, there has been no access to effective remedies for these violations. Also, within existing mechanisms of the UN human rights system there appears to be no means by which victims or their advocates can obtain recommendations for protective or remedial measures[3] on an urgent basis.

…

http://www.lrwc.org/oral-statement-human-rights-situations-that-require-the-councils-attention-oral-statement-to-the-35th-session-of-the-un-human-rights-council/

Cameroon: Free Lawyer Felix Agbor-Balla & Dr. Fontem Aforteka’a Neba (Please sign the urgent petition!)

Our colleague and friend, Felix, was arrested on 17 January 2017 and remains detained in Kondengui Central Prison in Yaoundé, Cameroon

On 17 January the Minister of Territorial Administration banned the activities of the Southern Cameroon National Council (SCNC) and the Cameroon Anglophone Civil Society Consortium (CACSC). The president of the CACSC, Barrister Nkongho Felix Agbor-Balla, and its Secretary General, Dr. Fontem Aforteka’a Neba, were arrested, sparking protests in the southwest city of Buea. On the same day both Agbor-Balla and Dr. Fontem Neba had signed a statement calling for protest activities to be carried out without violence.

…

https://www.change.org/p/president-paul-biya-free-lawyer-felix-agbor-balla?recruiter=732539843&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=whatsapp

http://journalducameroun.com/en/consortium-announces-special-ghost-town-days/

http://journalducameroun.com/en/gce-begins-today-amid-tensions-nw-sw-regions/

http://www.cameroon-info.net/article/cameroun-affaire-balla-me-charles-tchoungang-invite-leglise-catholique-du-cameroun-a-engager-des-291123.html (FRANCAIS)

http://enjodi.blog.lemonde.fr/2017/06/07/cameroun-crise-anglophone-les-detenus-anglophones-de-la-societe-civile-tous-des-prisonniers-dopinion/ (FRANCAIS)

Cameroon: Judicial council sacks Ayah Paul

June 8, 2017

Cameroon’s Higher Juridical Council on Wednesday June 7, sacked Ayah Paul as Advocate General at the Supreme Court.

Ayah  Paul Abine, who is now imprisoned had reached the age limit but could have been given two additional years as the constitution specifies. He was however sent on an retirement and replaced by Yap Abdou.

The decision is one among others taken at the Unity Palace during the meeting chaired by President Paul Biya.

Meanwhile, Ayah Paul’s son AYAH AYAH Abine was reportedly arrested Wednesday in front of the Military Court. He is accused of taking pictures of the court, an act prohibited by law.

After his arrest, AYAH AYAH Abine and his brother Etonong Christian, were both taken to the State Defense Secretariat.

The son of the detained Justice is known for his bashing on the Biya regime especially since his father was arrested.

http://journalducameroun.com/en/judicial-council-sacks-ayah-paul/

http://journalducameroun.com/en/anlgophone-protests-will-presented-un-security-council-june-13/

http://allafrica.com/stories/201706090151.html

http://cameroon-concord.com/boko-haram/8599-ayah-paul-abine-s-son-recounts-stories-of-horrific-experiences-in-detention

http://www.camer.be/60744/11:1/cameroun-le-fils-de-paul-ayah-parle-de-son-interpellation-cameroon.html#.WUBLqOCTBNk.facebook

http://www.cameroon-info.net/article/cameroun-derniere-heure-ayah-ayah-le-fils-du-magistrat-paul-ayah-abine-interpelle-au-290775.  (FRANCAIS)

http://www.journalducameroun.com/le-conseil-superieur-de-la-magistrature-en-couverture-des-journaux-camerounais/  (FRANCAIS)

http://www.camernews.com/cameroun-emmanuel-ndjere-nomme-president-du-tribunal-criminel-special/ (FRANCAIS)

http://afrique.le360.ma/autres-pays/societe/2017/06/09/12492-cameroun-violences-dans-les-regions-anglophones-les-prevenus-risquent-la-peine-de-mort-12492 (FRANCAIS)

Cameroon: Anglophone activists denied bail as hunger strike, ghost towns continue

June 8, 2017

The trial in Cameroon of a prominent lawyer and human rights activist and some two dozen other defendants has again been adjourned after a military tribunal in Yaounde denied them bail.

Their next court date is scheduled for June 29, according to local media reports.

Nkongho Felix Agbor-Balla, leader of the Anglophone Civil Society Consortium, was arrested in January when the government under President Paul Biya outlawed the group. Consortium co-leader Dr. Fontem Neba also was arrested, along with a third Anglophone activist, Mancho Bibixy, who was arrested after making a public speech in November.

Those arrests came as the Anglophone movement was gaining traction among lawyers, doctors and other professionals seeking to address the political and social marginalization they say that Cameroon’s English-speaking citizens experience in the predominantly Francophone West African nation.

Those longstanding divisions arise in part from the colonial legacy of the West African nation. Authorities in Cameroon also have interfered with journalists and Internet access, and the situation has drawn the attention of the international community as well as human rights groups.

…

https://africatimes.com/2017/06/08/cameroon-anglophone-activists-denied-bail-as-hunger-strike-ghost-towns-continue/

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-cameroon-politics-idUSKBN18Y2A5

http://www.news24.com/Africa/News/cameroon-keeps-anglophone-leaders-in-custody-20170607

http://www.dailynewscameroon.com/cameroon-regime-forces-arrest-ayahs/

http://journalducameroun.com/en/govt-postpones-anglophone-leaders-trial/

http://cameroon-concord.com/boko-haram/8574-courts-rejects-bail-bid-for-anglophone-detainees-trial-adjourned-again

http://journalducameroun.com/en/judicial-council-sacks-ayah-paul/

http://cameroon-concord.com/boko-haram/8587-biya-opens-way-for-ayah-s-trial-with-forceful-retirement

https://www.frontlinedefenders.org/en/case/nkongho-felix-agbor-balla-detained-and-charged-military-court-eight-counts

UPDATE JUNE 8: Justice AYAH’s son has been released, but no explanation for his arrest given.

http://apanews.net/index.php/fr/news/cameroun-liberte-provisoire-rejetee-pour-trois-leaders-anglophones (FRANCAIS)

http://www.cameroon-info.net/article/cameroun-urgent-emmanuel-ndjere-nouveau-president-du-tribunal-criminel-special-290763.html (FRANCAIS)

http://cameroon-report.com/politique/conseil-superieur-de-la-magistrature/ (FRANCAIS)

http://www.cameroonweb.com/CameroonHomePage/NewsArchive/L-activiste-Mancho-Bibixy-met-sa-menace-en-ex-cution-413731 (FRANCAIS)

http://www.camer.be/60627/11:1/cameroun-conseil-superieur-de-la-magistrature-ayah-paul-abine-en-retraite-yap-abdou-avocat-general-pres-la-cour-supreme-cameroon.html (FRANCAIS)

http://www.cameroon-info.net/article/cameroun-proces-des-leaders-anglophones-la-demande-de-mise-en-liberte-provisoire-de-felix-290715.html (FRANCAIS)

http://www.cameroon-info.net/article/cameroun-le-president-paul-biya-desavoue-ses-conseillers-et-envoie-a-la-retraite-ayah-paul-290784.html (FRANCAIS)

http://www.camer.be/60631/11:1/cameroun-rouleau-compresseur-le-fils-de-ayah-paul-arrete-cameroon.html (FRANCAIS)

http://www.camerpost.com/cameroun-conseil-superieur-de-magistrature-couverture-journaux/ (FRANCAIS)

http://www.europapress.es/internacional/noticia-tribunal-militar-camerun-rechaza-conceder-libertad-fianza-27-activistas-angloparlantes-20170608050752.html (ESPANOL)

Following the bail denial today at the Yaounde Military Court, I want to thank you all both home and abroad for the support towards all detainees, lawyers and teachers. Equally, I urge you all to remain strong and courageous despite the challenges as the struggle continues. #FreeAllArrested #Cameroon

Cameroon: JUDGEMENT DAY!

June 6, 2017

Advocate General Ayah Paul Abine

Barrister Felix Nkongho Agbor Balla and academic Dr. Fontem Neba

 

Stay tunned 2mro, June 07, 2017, as Judgement Day is pregnant with uncertainties.

Those who can make it to the Yaounde Military Tibunal should join us therein to witness yet another hearing, centred around the possible liberation of all 28 anglophones, jointly undergoing trial on the same charges. WHAT A GOOD WILL GESTURE IT WILL BE THE AUTHORITIES THAT BE, IF ALL OUR BROTHERS ARE FREED FROM CAPTIVITY 2mro…

Then, it is equally Judgement Day for our only Advocate General at the Highest Court of the land who was kidnapped by agents of the gov’t and dumped in a ‘cage’ for over 130 days and counting without a charge nor a fair trial. If we are to believe what all pundits UNANIMOUSLY speculate, then it is highly probable that the regime is planning either to retire Ayah or expel him from the corp of magistrates and then try him. But whatever decision they take, will make us all the more stronger and resolute against injustices.

NB: There are other anglophones under detention who are never mentioned. They too belong to the fold….

STAY TUNNED FOR TOMORROW……

(Facebook)

http://cameroon-concord.com/boko-haram/8563-releasing-anglophone-leaders-will-stir-uprising-prosecuting-counsel-warns-court

http://www.cameroon-info.net/article/cameroun-voici-la-liste-complete-des-prevenus-de-la-crise-anglophone-selon-le-redhac-290637.html (FRANCAIS)

UPDATE: 

BREAKING NEWS FROM THE MILITARY TRIBUNAL..
BAIL REJECTED FOR ALL ANGLOPHONE DETAINEES AS AGBOR BALLA,DR.FONTEM,BBC(who came into court on his butts incapable to walk owning to his current hunger strike and the multitude all return to prison to continue their calvary.
meanwhile, all eyes are on Ayah’s fate later today as the higher judicial council currently seats.

(Facebook)

http://cameroon-concord.com/boko-haram/8571-controversy-looms-over-bail-case-of-anglophone-detainees-as-trial-resumes-today

http://journalducameroun.com/en/cameroons-higher-judicial-council-meet-punitive-files/

http://journalducameroun.com/en/ayah-paul-consortium-leaders-fate-animate-debate-social-media/

http://www.camer.be/60609/11:1/cameroun-conseil-superieur-de-la-magistrature-le-mercredi-de-toutes-les-attentes-cameroon.html

http://cameroon-concord.com/boko-haram/8573-prisoners-without-crime-strike-for-freedom

http://www.camernews.com/claude-assira-parlant-du-conseil-superieur-de-la-magistrature-monsieur-paul-ayah-peut-parfaitement-etre-maintenu-dans-ses-fonctions/

https://lcclc.info/index.php/2017/06/07/cameroon-anglophone-crisis-here-is-the-complete-list-of-people-arrested-in-the-anglophone-crisis/

http://www.dailynewscameroon.com/cameroon-regime-forces-arrest-ayahs/

https://critiqsite.com/2017/06/07/anglophone-crisis-tension-at-the-military-court-in-yaounde-as-mancho-bibixy-is-taking-to-court-in-chains/

http://www.dnaindia.com/world/report-cameroon-court-denies-bail-to-anglophone-protesters-2464778

http://news.trust.org/item/20170607154533-ewma0/

http://cameroon-concord.com/headlines/8578-cameroon-detained-supreme-court-judge-s-son-arrested-during-the-balla-mancho-treason-trial

http://www.euronews.com/2017/06/07/cameroon-court-denies-bail-to-anglophone-protesters

http://www.businessinsider.com/r-cameroon-court-denies-bail-to-anglophone-protesters-2017-6?IR=T

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/monkey-cage/wp/2017/06/02/cameroon-has-been-in-crisis-for-six-months-heres-what-you-need-to-know/

http://www.cameroon-info.net/article/cameroun-proces-des-leaders-anglophones-la-demande-de-mise-en-liberte-provisoire-de-felix-290715.html (FRANCAIS)

http://www.cameroon-info.net/article/cameroun-magistrature-voici-les-dossiers-sur-la-table-du-conseil-superieur-290664.html (FRANCAIS)

http://www.journalducameroun.com/115101-2/ (FRANCAIS)

http://www.afrique-centrale.fr/2017/06/07/cameroun-de-liberation-leaders-de-contestation-anglophone/ (FRANCAIS)

http://www.laminute.info/cameroun-liberte-provisoire-rejetee-pour-trois-leaders-anglophones/ (FRANCAIS)

http://www.camer.be/60625/11:1/cameroun-liberte-conditionnelle-refusee-aux-leaders-anglophones-cameroon.html (FRANCAIS)

http://www.camernews.com/cameroun-proces-des-leaders-anglophones-la-demande-de-mise-en-liberte-provisoire-de-felix-agbor-balla-nkongho-neba-fontem-afortekaa-et-mancho-bibixy-rejetee/ (FRANCAIS)

Cameroon: Ben Muna to Anglophone Cameroonians- “Fight for federalism, Independence is farfetched”

June 5, 2017

Barrister Bernard Muna, lead counsel of the detained leaders of the outlawed Cameron Anglophone Civil Society Consortium has urged Anglophone Cameroonians to insist on federalism rather than independence.

To him, independence for Anglophone Cameroon will not see light of day even after 100 years.

The legal expert made the stament during an exclusive interview with The Guardian Post Newspaper. According to the Barrister, only federalism can be achieved and can only be gotten if the testis of the Biya’s regime is held firmly.

Going by him, Engish speaking Cameroonians still lack the weapon, army and resources needed to wage war against the regime.

On the detained Anglophone leaders, the Barrister said there could be a court decision Wednesday June 7, 2017 which will see leaders of the Consortium released. “I urge the court not to follow the logic of military prosecutor who seems to be saying that bail might be granted only to Agbor Balla and Dr Fontem. All 28 accused persons should be treated equally especially as they are being tried jointly.”

Barrister Ben Muna said anybody who does not want the two leaders to accept conditional bail until all others are released is just using them as fodder to achieve their own ambitions.

http://journalducameroun.com/en/ben-muna-anglophone-cameroonians-fight-federalism-independence-farfetched/

http://cameroon-concord.com/boko-haram/8555-ben-muna-says-ambazonians-should-forget-about-independence

https://www.economist.com/news/middle-east-and-africa/21653584-botswana-comes-top-continent-governance-and-rule-law-again-law-first?fsrc=scn/fb/te/pe/ed/lawcomesfirst

Cameroon: Détention des anglophones : Une plainte contre le Cameroun à la Commission africaine des droits de l’homme et des peuples

le 2 juin, 2017

Le Réseau des défenseurs des droits de l’homme en Afrique centrale (Redhac)  souhaiterait que la plainte déposée le 8 mai dernier soit jugée recevable par cette instance.  Il exige également la libération de toutes les personnes incarcérées dans le cadre de la crise anglophone au Cameroun.

Au cours d’un point de presse le 21 février dernier à Douala, le Réseau des défenseurs des droits humains en Afrique centrale (Redhac) à travers sa directrice exécutive, Maximilienne Ngo Mbe, avait invité les autorités camerounaises à communiquer sur les disparus de la crise anglophone sous peine de voir le Cameroun trainé devant la Commission africaine des droits de l’homme et des peuples (Cadhp). C’est chose faite depuis le 8 mai dernier. Dans un communiqué rendu public le 31 mai dernier, le Redhac  recommande à la Cadhp que la plainte contre l’Etat du Cameroun soit jugée recevable.

D’après le Réseau, la détention en cours des leaders et jeunes anglophones viole les articles 6 et 7 (1) de la Charte africaine des droits de l’homme et des peuples ratifiée par le Cameroun. Ces dispositions ont trait respectivement à la détention arbitraire et au jugement dans un délai raisonnable et par un tribunal impartial. Pour le Redhac, le Cameroun doit être condamné pour avoir violé cette Charte. L’organisme de défense des droits de l’homme invite le ministre camerounais de la Justice, Laurent Esso, à faire libérer immédiatement et sans conditions toutes les personnes incarcérées dans le cadre de la crise anglophone.

…

http://hurinews.com/detention-des-anglophones-une-plainte-contre-le-cameroun-a-la-commission-africaine-des-droits-de-lhomme-et-des-peuples/

http://www.alafnet.com/cameroonmusonge-hopeful-detained-anglophone-leaders-might-be-released/ (ENGLISH)

CAMEROUN : NON À UNE CULTURE DU CRIME POLITIQUE SOUS COUVERT D’UNE IMPOSTURE JUDICIAIRE SYSTÉMIQUE ET LA DÉTENTION ARBITRAIRE

Le Comité de Libération des Prisonniers Politiques (CL2P) sera inlassablement là pour rappeler au Président à vie du Cameroun Paul BIYA (84 ans, 34 de règne) au premier devoir du «démocrate»: «laisser autant libre ses opposants comme ses partisans dans leurs choix; prendre le risque d’affronter ses «concurrents» politiques et «adversaires» internes désignés dans des urnes transparentes. Nul besoin pour ce faire de les séquestrer arbitrairement.

Devoir en effet présenter au quotidien la vraie nature dictatoriale d’un régime qui se présente à la face du monde comme un modèle de “démocratie apaisée”, rappeler l’élimination judiciaire et carcérale que son créateur Paul BIYA réserve systématiquement à ses rivaux potentiels désignés comme des “prévaricateurs de la fortune publique” …n’est hélas pas toujours un exercice facile sous le tintamarre de la propagande officielle et l’achat systématique des consciences au Cameroun.

Mais nous continuons inlassablement de le faire. Parce que le silence est la pire des sentences pour un prisonnier d’opinion. Il participe largement à la banalisation du crime politique particulièrement au Cameroun.

MESDAMES, MESSIEURS,
Nous vous invitons à toujours mettre des noms et des visages derrières la propagande politique parfaitement huilée du régime en place au Cameroun depuis 34 ans, notamment lorsqu’il prétend mener une lutte sans merci contre la corruption hélas souvent à tête chercheuse, faite d’accusations cousues de toutes pièces, de procès kafkaïens, et de condamnations arbitraires en cascade (les fameux procès à tiroirs).
POUR LE CL2P VOICI LES PRINCIPALES VICTIMES DE L’ARBITRAIRE POLITIQUE ET JUDICIAIRE AU CAMEROUN:

1. Marafa HAMIDOU YAYA

http://cl2p.org/le-comite-des-droits-de-lhomme-de-lonu-ren…/

2. Jean Marie ATANGANA MEBARA

http://enjodi.blog.lemonde.fr/…/union-africaine-affaires-j…/

3. Urbain OLANGUENA AWONO

https://blogs.mediapart.fr/…/cameroun-justice-des-hommes-ou…

4. Aboubakary SIDIKI

http://cl2p.org/tribunal-militaire-de-yaounde-proces-haris…/

5. Polycarpe ABAH ABAH

http://cl2p.org/cameroun-tribunal-criminel-special-tcs-le-…/

6. Me Abdoulaye HARISSOU

http://cl2p.org/tribunal-militaire-de-yaounde-proces-haris…/

7. Mohammed IYA

http://cl2p.org/iya-mohammed-prisonnier-politique-je-suis-…/

8. Zacchaëus FORJINDAM

https://blogs.mediapart.fr/…/cameroun-justice-des-hommes-ou…

9. Yves Michel FOTSO

http://cl2p.org/cameroun-pourquoi-la-double-condamnation-a…/

10. Ahmed ABBA
http://cl2p.org/cameroun-reprise-et-ajournement-du-proces-…/

LA LISTE ADDITIVE DES ACTIVISTES ANGLOPHONES SÉQUESTRÉS PAR LE POUVOIR DE PAUL BIYA DANS LES CENTRES DE DÉTENTION DE YAOUNDÉ, TOUS CONSIDÉRÉS COMME DES PRISONNIERS D’OPINION PAR LE COMITÉ DE LIBÉRATION DES PRISONNIERS POLITIQUES (CL2P)
1. Tite Nkwenkam Momemka
2. Magistrat Ayah Paul Abine
3. Maitre Agbor Balla
4. Dr Fontem Neba
5. Penn Terence Khan
6. Michael Boyo
7. Mancho Bibixy
8. Elvis Ndzenyuy
9. Veranso Stephen
10. Tatah Elvis
11. Ngalim Felix
12. Chi Conrad
13. Muforchu Jean Pierre
14. Tambou Cedric
15. Tangwa Malvin
16. Levala Brian
17. Awuh Terence
18. Aselacha martin
19. Away Dzenyagha junior
20. Munji Roland
21. Awemo Joseph
22. Hillary Ndonkeh
23. Sunjo Diedonne
24. Wenong Snow Moses
25. Kingah Valentine
26. Yusinyu Gerald
27. Ndasi julius
28. Nkembu anicet
29. Kuyase Leonard
30. Mungou Azeh
31. Pang James
32. Manyaika Gaston
33. Eugene Ngeme
34. Tah Emile
35. Ngoumbe Zack
36. Hans Achumba
37. Pa Joe Ngwa Galim
38. Tangko Blaise
39. Ayeni Hyacinth
40. Shiyla Aloysius
41. Tanni (autres noms non connus, parmis ceux arretes a Ndop)
42. Lawyer Abadem Walters
43. Ngeka Aaron
44. Tati Eric Ngu
45. Ruchard Chiato Yam
46. Ndenge Godden Zama
47. Yenmole Njovens
48. Mend Ako Junior
49. Achou Constatine
50. Fombi Amstrong
51. Fonyuy Kemi Cliford
52. Osi Abel
53. Nisi David Abang
54. Esono Wakenba

Au moment où la climat social est particulièrement tendu, notamment au Cameroun anglophone, alors même qu’aucun signe d’une transition ou alternance politique n’est visible – ce, après 34 interminables années d’une implacable dictature – nous formulons le vœux d’une libération immédiate de tous ces prisonniers d’opinion, officiellement présentés comme des prisonniers de droit commun dans ce pays, et qui rentrent tous dans les critères objectifs établis par notre organisation. Parce que nous considérons qu’aucune république ne doit prospérer dans le tripatouillage constitutionnel systémique et la combine électorale permanente; pas plus qu’elle ne peut se résigner dans une culture du crime politique à des fins de pérennisation d’une dictature.

Monsieur Le Président BIYA, Libérez tous les prisonniers politiques du Cameroun, et Laissez tous les candidats – qui le veulent – postuler librement à l’investiture suprême. Il reviendra alors aux seul-e-s Camerounais-e-s de choisir en toute transparence le prochain locataire du Palais de l’Unité.

NOTRE SILENCE PARTICIPERAIT À LA BANALISATION DU CRIME POLITIQUE AU CAMEROUN

Le Comité de Libération des Prisonniers Politiques (CL2P)
http://www.cl2p.org

(Comité de Libération des Prisonniers Politiques – CL2P Facebook)