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AAAS Scientific Responsibility, Human Rights and Law Program
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AAAS Human Rights Action Network
| Date: | 29 June 1998 |
| Case Number: | ni9559_kut |
| Victim: | Beko Ransome-Kuti |
| Country: | Nigeria |
| Subject: | Physician released |
| Issues: | Freedom from arbitrary arrest and detention; Freedom of association and assembly; Freedom of opinion and expression |
| Type of alert: | Update |
FACTS OF THE CASE:
AAAS is pleased to announce the release of prisoner of conscience Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti. A medical doctor by profession, Dr. Ransmome-Kuti is also former head of the Nigerian Medical Association, President of the Campaign for Democracy, and President of the Committee for the Defense of Human Rights. On 15 June 1998, Nigeria's new military leader General Abdulsalam Abubakar, ordered the immediate release of nine prominent political prisoners, including Dr. Ransome-Kuti. However, it is not clear when they will be released. The releases were reportedly intended to facilitate the process of national reconciliation and reconstruction.
Dr. Ransome-Kuti was arrested on 27 July 1995. He was charged as an accessory to treason for making public the lack of evidence against 43 main defendants accused of plotting a coup in March 1995. Following a secret trial by a military tribunal, which was reported to be grossly unfair, he was sentenced to life imprisonment. His sentence was later reduced to 15 years' imprisonment.
Gani Fawehinmi, a lawyer and one of Nigeria's most outspoken critics of military rule, called the release of the nine political prisoners a "joyous step toward reconciliation." However, he noted that many political figures are still in prison.
General Abubakar attained power following the death on June 8 of General Sani Abacha, who presided over a brutal five-year dictatorship. General Abubakar has not yet explained how he intends to meet the October 1 deadline set by General Abacha for a shift to a civilian government in Nigeria. The new leader has taken steps to halt pro-democracy activism. Fifty-five people were arrested as they gathered to protest the fifth anniversary of presidential elections, which were never recognized by the military. All fifty-five are believed to have been released.
No further action is requested on behalf of Dr. Ransome-Kuti.
[Source of information for this update was provided by The New York Times, Tuesday, June 16, 1998. Other sources of information include Amnesty International and Physicians for Human Rights.]
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