Protest in Response to Further Delay - Nfor Still in Detention
22 February 2007 – More than a month since their initial arrest on 20 January 2007 Southern Cameroons National Council (SCNC) representatives are still held in detention in Bamenda central prison. No charge has been brought forward and UNPO considers the entire case as representing a flagrant violation of obligations relegated by international human rights law, including the right to due legal process
Over 200 activists gathered to witness the hearing of these representatives, however reports indicate shortly before the hearing was commenced, the presiding judge informed all visitors they were required to leave the courtroom, signally the hearing would proceed behind closed doors. Human rights activists and journalists also present to document the hearing were purportedly also removed from the courtroom.
The SCNC representatives to be addressed at these hearings are: UNPO Member Representative Nfor Ngala Nfor (54), Mbinglo H. Humphrey (65), Tantoh Simon Nshukwi (65), Achu Nji David (56), Stephen Kongnso (45), Dzeni Augustine Shieyntum (36), Henry Lamnyam (35), Lucas Ngwa Che (57), Nguemu Clement Atanga (60), Mongo Steven (43), and Mbi Ann Rita (60). [pictured TOP]
All were arrested at a SCNC press conference held in Bamenda, Southern Cameroons on 20 January and were subsequently transferred to Bamenda Central Prison. Since their arrest, these individuals have been detained while not having been formally charged with any crime.\
Bail hearings were initially scheduled for 13 February 2007, already twenty-four days after the arrest of these SCNC representatives, however were further postponed until 20 February 2007. In response to their delayed bail hearings, those detained protested with a one-day hunger strike on 16 February 2007.
Hearings were set to commence again on 22 February 2007, however reports indicate they have again been postponed until 27 February 2007. SCNC Chariman Chief Ayamba Ette Otun led the 300 activists congregated at the courthouse in a sit-down strike from 11.00 until 14.00 in protest of the delayed bail hearings.
UNPO strongly denounces this demonstration of disrespect for basic international human rights law, continues to appeal for the immediate release of Nfor Ngala Nfor and calls for La Republique du Cameroun to act according to its obligations and guarantee due legal process.
