Amnesty International Accuses DSS of Targeting Critics

Amnesty International released a statement on Friday expressing serious concerns regarding the actions of Nigeria's Department of State Services (DSS). The organization accused the DSS of targeting individuals who publicly criticize the policies of the United States and Israel, particularly those expressing their opinions on social media amid ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.

Amnesty International reported that at least two individuals in Kaduna have been detained and are facing what it described as sham trials based on questionable charges. The organization emphasized that criticism of government policies is a fundamental right protected under Nigeria's 1999 Constitution and international human rights agreements.

It urged Nigerian authorities to cease their repression of individuals exercising their rights peacefully and warned that targeting critics sends a dangerous signal about the intolerance of dissent in the country. Amnesty International concluded by calling on the Nigerian government to ensure that all citizens enjoy their rights without fear of repression.