Abidjan — Preemptively closing investigations into serious human rights violations during the 2010-2011 post-election crisis in Côte d'Ivoire would be a step backward in the fight against impunity, Human Rights Watch and International Federation for Human Rights said today in a joint letter to President Alassane Ouattara. The letter, signed by 19 groups, was sent amid reports that the government has ordered the Special Investigative and Examination Cell, the body responsible for investigations into the post-election crisis, to finish its work in two key human rights cases by June 30, 2015.
"President Ouattara has repeatedly stated his commitment to impartial justice for the worst crimes committed during the crisis, but actions speak louder than words," said Param-Preet Singh, senior international justice counsel at Human Rights Watch. "President Ouattara should stand by his promise by maintaining support for the special cell so it can rigorously investigate the post-election abuses."
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