GENEVA - UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk on Friday called on the military authorities in Guinea Bissau to respect and protect human rights following reports of politically motivated arrests and use of unnecessary or disproportionate force in the aftermath of the 26 November coup d'état.
At least 18 people have been arbitrarily detained, among them Government officers, magistrates, and opposition leaders. Most of them are reportedly being held incommunicado.
"I am deeply alarmed by reports of human rights violations in Guinea- Bissau following the coup, including arbitrary arrests and detentions of Government officials and opposition leaders, as well as threats against and intimidation of media houses and journalists," said Türk.
"It is critical that the military authorities uphold international human rights norms and standards, including by ensuring all individuals arbitrarily detained are immediately and unconditionally released."
Following the coup - which came as the people of Guinea-Bissau were awaiting the results of presidential and parliamentary elections held on 23 November - several independent radio stations were temporarily shut down during illegal raids on their offices. Access to the Internet and social media was also disrupted on Wednesday and Thursday.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights also expressed concern at reports that the security forces used unnecessary or disproportionate force, including live ammunition, to disperse peaceful protesters in the aftermath of the coup in the capital Bissau.
"The military authorities must ensure they fully respect everyone's fundamental freedoms, including the right to peaceful assembly," said Türk.
He echoed UN Secretary-General António Guterres' strong condemnation of the military takeover, and his call for the immediate and unconditional restoration of constitutional order in Guinea-Bissau. He also expressed concern at the military authorities' decision to suspend the election process, in violation of the right of citizens to participate in their country's public affairs.
