Djibouti: Arrest and detention of Mr. Zakaria

 Djibouti, January 24, 2014

This is last night we learned that Mr. Zakaria Abdillahi Ali, was arrested Thursday, 23 January 2014 at 16h Ali Sabih, capital of the Ali-Sabieh Region by the police along with three others (2 French friends and Djibouti driver) and two opposition candidates seeking election for that region during the last parliamentary elections contested the February 22, 2013 and whose crisis still persists.

Mr. Zakaria, a lawyer practicing in Djibouti, President of the Djiboutian League of Human Rights is also an elected member on the list of the coalition of the opposition Union for National Hi.

After the two opposition candidates for deputies were released, Master Zakaria and his friends were transferred to the capital. And last night, he was detained along with two French friends and their Djiboutian driver in the northern brigade of the gendarmerie in Section Research and Documentation (SRD).

All their access is prohibited until now. Moreover, around 13:30 Friday ODDH members who have tried to contact Master Zakaria and his friends, have been prohibited from entering the brigade and may have information to that effect or on the conditions of detention and the charges.

Furthermore, we learned that Mr. Zakaria reportedly began a hunger strike to protest against his arbitrary arrest and illegal imprisonment.

The ODDH calls for public authorities for the immediate and unconditional release of Mr. Zakaria and his friends.

The ODDH is deeply concerned about the increase in arbitrary arrests of citizens, opponents and human rights defenders. These actions risk undermining social peace at a time when we talk about political dialogue.

The ODDH recommends to comply with the constitutional provisions on the protection of citizens, respect for fundamental freedoms, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights as well as ‘the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Act for democracy, dignity and justice.

The President of the ODDH

Farah Abdillahi Miguil