On January 7, human rights lawyer Eron Kiiza was assaulted and arrested in court by military personnel while protesting against soldiers who physically blocked him from entering the section reserved for defendants’ lawyers in a military court hearing for his client, opposition leader Kizza Besigye.
Kiiza was then placed in the dock of the General Court Martial alongside his client and convicted on the grounds of “contempt of court”. He was immediately sentenced to 9 months in Kitalya prison, a state facility known for mistreatment and torture of inmates.
His arrest and conviction on the same day — without issuing a charge sheet, legal representation, or the opportunity to defend himself — constitute a blatant violation of fundamental rights and judicial process. By imposing an illegal and out of proportion sentence, the military court has sent a chilling message that dissent will not be tolerated.
Friends of the Earth have known Mr. Eron Kiiza for several years, as he has been supporting communities impacted by the disastrous East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project and provided legal representation to numerous activists who have been unlawfully arrested for peacefully demonstrating against the EACOP.
Friends of the Earth Europe urgentily calls on the international community to take all possible measures to secure the immediate release of Mr. Eron Kiiza, the withdrawal of all unfounded charges against him, to initiate an independent investigation into the reported mistreatment he suffered in detention, and hold those responsible to account.
Friends of the Earth Europe gratefully acknowledges financial assistance from the European Commision (LIFE Programme). Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or CINEA. Neither the European Union nor CINEA can be held responsible for them.
