Rights Groups Demand Dismissal of Charges Against Sowore, Social Media Giants

Human rights organizations Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and Amnesty International have called on President Bola Tinubu to withdraw cybercrime and defamation charges against activist Omoyele Sowore and social media companies X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook.

SERAP Key Demands:

📌 Withdraw Charges: SERAP and Amnesty International want the charges against Sowore and the social media companies dropped immediately.

📌Stop Judicial Harassment: The groups are urging President Tinubu to instruct security agencies to cease using the judiciary to silence critics and stifle free speech.

📌 Anti-SLAPP Legislation: They also demand that the government prepare an anti-Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP) law to safeguard citizens' rights to free expression.

Background:

The charges against Sowore stem from social media posts critical of President Tinubu, with the government accusing him of publishing false information and defamation. Sowore faces five counts, including cybercrime and criminal defamation charges.

Implications:

This case highlights concerns over freedom of expression and the use of SLAPP lawsuits to intimidate critics in Nigeria. SERAP and Amnesty International argue that such lawsuits undermine democracy and the rule of law.