Lagos, Nigeria - As protests mount in Nigeria over high fuel prices, Amnesty International (AI) has called on the authorities to end excessive use of force against protesters. At least one person has been killed and many more injured due to high-handed response to the protests by the police. “The police have a duty to protect lives and property and uphold the rule of law. It is therefore completely unacceptable for them to use live ammunition against protesters,” an AI statement obtained by PANA here quoted Ms. Paule Rigaud, its Deputy Director for Africa, as saying.

“The Nigerian authorities should respect and protect peoples’ rights to freedom of expression guaranteed by the Nigerian constitution, and should instruct the police force to refrain from shooting at protesters,” she said.

AI said under a controversial regulation, known as “Police Force Order 237”, police officers can shoot at rioters or protesters whether or not they pose a threat to life. The regulation directs officers to fire “at the knees of the rioters” and explicitly prohibits firing in the air.

“Force Order 237 is being abused by police officers to commit, justify and cover up illegal killings at every given opportunity. This regulation goes against international standards and should be repealed immediately,” said Ms. Rigaud.

Thousands of Nigerians in cities across the country have taken part in marches protesting against the removal of a state fuel subsidy, which has seen fuel prices and transport fares double.

A nation-wide strike, to be marked by more protests, is due to start on Monday to force the government to revert to the old prices.

Pana 06/01/2012