Abuja — Several recent arrests and detentions of journalists and activists in Nigeria suggest a disturbing trend toward repression of freedom of expression, Human Rights Watch said today. In one case, it was revealed that a journalist had been held incommunicado for nearly two years, and in another, an activist said he was tortured.
"Throwing reporters in jail for doing their job of informing the public sends a chilling message to journalists in Nigeria," said Anietie Ewang, Nigeria researcher at Human Rights Watch. "The Nigerian authorities need to end any harassment and ensure that members of the press can operate without fear."
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