Human Rights Watch raises concerns over mass trials of alleged jihadists in Nigeria
via SeneNews8 min read
Human Rights Watch HRW has expressed concern regarding mass trials of alleged jihadists in Nigeria, stating that many convictions are based on fragile evidence, some of which was obtained under duress. Nigeria has been battling a jihadist insurgency since 2009, with both armed groups and security forces accused of severe human rights violations. HRW noted that mass trials for hundreds of alleged jihadists are scheduled, sometimes after years of pre-trial detention, primarily targeting lower-ranking suspects and raising significant questions about fair trial rights. In April and June, over 500 and 600 defendants, respectively, appeared before the Federal High Court in Abuja. These June hearings marked the tenth phase of mass trials that the government deems necessary to combat "terrorism." However, HRW reported that many convictions were secured solely on confessions of guilt, with little to no corroborating evidence. The organization also found that charges in several dozen cases were vague and lacked essential information, such as precise dates and details of the alleged offenses. The extensive reliance on confessions raises fears that some individuals may face an accumulation of charges to pressure them into admitting to less serious offenses, potentially preventing proper prosecution of more severe crimes, including war crimes. The director of public prosecutions at the Nigerian Ministry of Justice responded to the report by stating that the state aims to balance the need
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