For years, a constant stream of information about human rights
violations in Togo has been emerging. Extrajudicial executions, and "disappearances"
are carried out with total impunity in the country, governed since 1967
by President GNASSINGBÉ Eyadéma. Arbitrary arrests followed
by torture and ill-treatment, sometimes result in deaths in detention.
Breaches of national legislation as well as failure to respect international
standards, notably the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights,
ratified by Togo, continue, and have seriously undermined the fragile structure
of Togolese society.
Human rights defenders, journalists and politicians are a particular
target of attacks by the Togolese authorities. On the wake of the elections,
Togo breaches its national laws and international commitments again.
On 3 August 2001 Yawovi Agboyibo, Chairman of the Action Committee for
the Renewal, one of the main opposition parties, was convicted of defamation
of the character of the Prime Minister, after a trial which raise serious
doubts on its fairness, in particular the independence and impartiality
of the President of the tribunal. We consider him to be a prisoner of conscience.
On 5 June 2001 Lucien Messan, Director of the Combat du Peuple, was
convicted and imprisoned for 18 months, for forgery in an attempt to silence
him for his activities as an independent journalist. We also consider him
to be a prisoner of conscience.
We the undersigned persons and organisations ask for their immediate
and unconditional release
We also call on the Togolese authorities to respect the UN Declaration
on the protection of human rights defenders, notably to ensure that human
rights defenders are able to work without fear of intimidation and arrest.
Name, organisation, signature
