Sowore: Stringent Bail Condition Implicitly Violate Rights to Resumption of Innocence – SERAP
- SERP says such bail conditions have chilling effects on journalists and activists as they serve to deter/prevent them from further exercising their human rights.
- Sowore says he remains undaunted.
The Socio-Economic Rights Accountability Project (SERAP) has reacted to the bail condition granted to Omoyelen Sowore, the convener of #RevolutionNow protest.
A trial judge, Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu granted him and his co-defendant, Olawale Bakare bail in the sum of N150m. This, the SERAP has described as stringent.
According to the human right group, refusal of bail and/or stringent bail conditions on journalists, activists implicitly violate the rights to presumption of innocence and liberty.
READ: Sowore to Supporters: They Have Done The Worst They Can Do, We Will Survive This [Video]
“These have chilling effects, as they serve to deter/prevent journalists, activists etc from further exercising their human rights. Human rights, freedoms, and democracy die in silence.
SERAP which further stated that persecution of journalists, bloggers and activists has become routine in today’s Nigeria said it cannot look away.
he Federal Government had arraigned Sowore and Bakare on Monday on seven charges before Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu.
The charges against the due include alleged conspiracy to commit treason and money laundering among others. They have been granted bail in the sum of N150 million.
The court also gave some conditions, which include depositing of their travel documents and their movement restricted to Abuja.
READ: BREAKING: Sowore Granted 150m Bail
Meanwhile, Sowore said he remained undaunted and he will not be intimidated by anyone. He added that he is preaching new Nigeria as many are already looking at the alternatives.
