PRESS RELEASE
Djibouti, April 26, 2014
In Last 14 months the regime has used all means at its disposal to stifle popular protest initiated by the opposition coalition, USN (Union for National Hi). Unprecedented challenge following the legislative elections of 22 February 2013.
Over 14 months of repression, intimidation, arrests, imprisonment, illegal custody, predatory investments warrant, harassment, arbitrary and torture for many opponents, opposition activists, human rights defenders and ordinary citizens.
More than 14 months until the publication of the final results of the voting office by office of Friday, February 22, 2013 by the people of Djibouti and the International Community (see European Parliament resolution on the situation in Djibouti in July 2013). A 1st in the history of the Republic! Unheard of even in the dark days of colonization.
After 14 months of post-election political crisis political dialogue has stalled. No crisis in perspective.
I. During these 14 months of repression multifaceted faculty has paid a heavy price
- Deaths in prison Mahamoud Rayaleh E., Professor of French
The death in custody of Mr Mahamoud Rayaleh Elmi, a professor of French Public High School Balbala and engaged citizen, on the night of August 28 to 29, 2013, the conscience of all citizens of Djibouti. His body was removed from the hospital morgue General Peltier and put underground in the cemetery of PK12 in haste by employees Highways Djibouti under the supervision of the police without the presence of any member of his family and friends. ODDH The request the establishment of an independent commission of inquiry to shed light on the circumstances of death.
- Revocation of 62 teachers
The decision to dismiss 62 teachers, most of whom are teachers, all staff, is effective in violation of all administrative procedures and the status of civil servants since April 3, 2014. Their only crime remains their societal and union involvement, advocates human rights and suspicion proximity rightly or wrongly opposition. Among teachers dismissed include:
- Farah Abdillahi Miguil, trade unionist and President ODDH
- Moussa Youssouf Abdi, a founding member of the Collective “Save the National Education”
- Omar Ismail Omar, one of the founding members of the Collective “Save the National Education”
II. More than 14 months’ imprisonment for three sheiks and leaders USN
It was February 25, 2013 qu’Abdourahman Barkat God, and Bashir Suleiman Abdurahman Guirreh Meidal Guelleh were then placed orders warrant before being sentenced arbitrarily and unfairly severe penalties (2 years in prison and five years’ deprivation of civil rights). Their only real crime remains their commitment against the exploitation of poverty, exploitation of tribalism, the introduction of the crime as a cardinal virtue of the republic, the resignation of the judiciary … and yet be convicted for his political commitment constitutes a violation of Article 25 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights policies ratified by the Republic of Djibouti.
III. Removal of citizenship and extradition secret to Somaliland a Djiboutian citizen
Mohamed Daher Robleh, self employed, was arrested and held incommunicado for a week in the premises of the SDS (political police) in July 2013. During his detention, he was subjected to torture, humiliation and abuse. On September 2, 2013, he was stripped of his Djiboutian nationality by a Presidential Decree. It’s Wednesday, February 12, 2014 at 14:30 he was arrested at his home again by the police without a warrant. For more than 72 hours he was detained at the Crime Branch Police and February 15, 2014 around 15:30 he was secretly extradited to the border of Somaliland.
The ODDH calls for public authorities to respect the fundamental rights and freedoms of teachers and union activists in accordance with international standards ratified by Djibouti.
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.
The ODDH calls for public authorities to release all political prisoners and the opening of a respectful and fair political dialogue to overcome the unprecedented crisis.
Act for democracy, dignity and justice.
The President of the ODDH
Farah Abdillahi Mi
