The draft law on amnesty submitted to the Parliament by the Senegalese government relating to protests between March 2021 and February 2024, in which more than 60 people were killed, is an affront to victims of the violence and a troubling endorsement of impunity, Amnesty International said today.
The adoption of the amnesty law by the Parliament would constitute a failure by the state to meet its obligation under international law of providing justice, truth and reparation for the families of more than 60 people killed during demonstrations. Fifteen families have filed complaints before the courts and are still waiting for justice.
“This draft law would be a denial of justice for victims, as well as their families, who are waiting for justice, truth and reparations. By passing such a law, the Senegalese state would not only fail in its national and international obligations, but also promote impunity for blood crimes,” Amnesty International’s Regional Director for West and Central Africa, Samira Daoud, said.
Amnesty laws for serious human rights violations have been denounced by various regional and international human rights protection bodies.
- Published in
- United Kingdom
