ANGOLA TIK TOK STAR JAIL FOR INSULTING THE PRESIDENT

By Edwin F -

Angolan TikToker Neth Nahara has received a two-year prison term for "disparaging" President João Lourenço on TikTok. The sentence was extended from an initial six-month term to two years following an appeal made by the prosecution. Neth Nahara, known in real life as Ana da Silva Miguel, is a well-liked social media influencer in Angola, boasting over 1.1 million followers on TikTok. Neth Nahara's charges stem from a TikTok video where she voiced criticism towards the president's management of the nation's economy and accused him of engaging in corrupt practices. 

 Neth Nahara

The video gained significant attention and triggered anger among the president's supporters, who claimed that Neth Nahara had insulted the nation's leader. In August, she was taken into custody and initially sentenced to six months in prison. However, the prosecution contested the verdict, resulting in a subsequent two-year sentence.

The case has ignited fury among activists championing human rights and advocating for free speech, who have denounced the government's harsh measures to quell opposing voices and the utilization of ambiguous legislation to stifle critics. This particular case is indicative of a larger pattern observed in various African nations and globally, where governments resort to laws targeting acts deemed "insulting" or "defamatory" towards the leader of the country in order to silence dissenters and squash opposition.

Neth Nahara's sentencing coincides with the recent imprisonment of a presidential contender in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The candidate, Jean-Marc Kabund, received a seven-year sentence for disrespecting the leader of the nation. Kabund, a previous deputy leader of the legislative body and a trusted companion of President Felix Tshisekedi, faced 12 accusations, encompassing the dissemination of unverified gossip and derogatory remarks towards the head of state. Following a fallout between the two, Kabund established his own political faction in the previous year.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Human Right Lawyer And Activist Arrested In Nigeria

By Edwin F -
Image
Dele Farotimi  is more than just a name in the headlines; he is a passionate human rights lawyer and activist deeply committed to fighting against the injustices that plague Nigeria. Known for his  strong critiques of bad governance , Farotimi has become a beacon of hope for many who seek a better, more transparent Nigeria. Recently, he released a thought-provoking book that lays bare the  corruption within the Nigerian judiciary , shedding light on a system many believe has lost its way. Dele Farotimi  Tragically, his outspoken nature has made him a target. On  December 3, 2024 , Dele was arrested by the Nigerian police at the Zone 2 Command in Lagos, following a defamation petition filed by  Tony Elumelu , the chairman of the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Group. The allegations claim that Dele made defamatory remarks about Elumelu during a public discussion, which has led to this distressing turn of events.  Dele had earlier send signal out that some ...
Read more

UN Committee Reviews Cameroon Amidst Alarming Torture Allegations

By Edwin F -
Image
United Nations Committee Against Torture is currently holding its eighty-first session in Geneva from October 28 to November 22, 2024. During this session, the committee is reviewing Cameroon's fifth periodic report on its compliance with the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. This session comes at a critical time, with reports and videos emerging that allegedly show Cameroonian military forces engaging in torture against civilians in the conflict zones of the Northwest and Southwest regions and also in other Regions of the country. These disturbing images have drawn attention from human rights groups and the international community, particularly amid ongoing violence tied to separatist movements and the fight against Boko Haram. The committee’s review of Cameroon is vital, especially given these serious allegations. It provides the Cameroonian government an opportunity to respond to accusations of torture and explain the steps...
Read more

Simon Ekpa Arrested in Finland

By Edwin F -
Image
Simon Ekpa, a Finnish-Nigerian activist and self-proclaimed Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile, was recently arrested in Finland alongside four others on suspicion of terrorism-related activities. Ekpa is linked to the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a group campaigning for the independence of southeastern Nigeria. Simon Ekpa Finnish authorities charged Ekpa with public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent. According to Finland's National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), he allegedly used social media platforms to promote violence and terrorism, which has contributed to unrest in southeastern Nigeria. The four others arrested are suspected of funding his activities. Ekpa has been a polarizing figure, particularly for enforcing sit-at-home orders in southeastern Nigeria, which have disrupted daily life and led to violence, even after IPOB's mainstream leadership suspended such actions. This isn’t his first legal trouble; he was bri...
Read more