Punch
6 January 2012
Amnesty International has asked the police to end excessive use of force against protesters.
This followed the killing of one person in Ilorin , Kwara State
Police reportedly fired tear gas and beat protesters as demonstrations continued in different parts of the country.
AI Deputy Director for Africa , Paule Rigaud, said it was unacceptable for the police to use lethal weapons against protesters.
She said, “The police have a duty to protect lives and property and uphold the rule of law. It is therefore completely unacceptable for them to use live ammunition against protesters.
“The Nigerian authorities should respect and protect peoples’ rights to freedom of expression guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution, and should instruct the police force to refrain from shooting at protesters.”
Under a controversial regulation, known as ‘Police Force Order 237’, Police officers can shoot at rioters or protesters whether or not they pose a threat to life.
The regulation directs officers to fire “at the knees of the rioters” and explicitly prohibits firing in the air.
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