Amnesty International

Mr.

João

Lourenço

Angola

Your Excellency President João Lourenço,

I am shocked to learn about the use of excessive, disproportionate, abusive and even lethal force to deal with infringements of COVID-19 prevention measures. Many lost their life taken by security forces who were supposed to protect them. Among them were, Mário Palma Romeu – Marito, 14 years old, Altino Holandês Afonso - Hernani, 15 years old, Clinton Dongala Carlos, 16 years old, Mabiala Rogério Ferreira Mienandi – Kilson, 15 years old, João de Assunção Eliseu, 20 years old, António Vulola - Toni, 21 years old, and José Quiocama Manuel - Cleide, 25 years old.

I understand the economic and social challenges Angola faces due to Covid-19 as well as the government efforts to curb the pandemic spread to protect public health. However, security forces use may only use force that is necessary and proportionate to achieve a legitimate objective. They should not cause more harm than they are trying to prevent, the spread of COVID-19.

With huge concern, I noticed that the coercive penalties for non-compliance with the COVID-19 preventive measures often targeted disadvantaged communities which are marginalized, impoverished or at risk of discrimination, resulting in stigma, fear and lack of trust in authorities.

I urge you to put an end to the security forces’ use of excessive, disproportionate and lethal force.

I demand to the Angolan authorities to investigate all human rights violations and abuses with a view to urgent systemic reform.

Nobody should have to fear for their life, and the authorities must hold to account anyone who arbitrarily deprives an individual of their rights, particularly the right to life.

I call on you to promptly, thoroughly, independently and impartially investigate the killings of Mário Palma Romeu, Altino Holandês Afonso, Clinton Dongala Carlos, Mabiala Rogério Ferreira Mienandi, João de Assunção Eliseu, António Vulola and José Quiocama Manuel and ensure that perpetrators are held to account.

Yours sincerely,

Mr.

João

Lourenço

Angola

Your Excellency President João Lourenço,

I urge you to put an end to the security forces’ use of excessive, disproportionate and lethal force.

I demand to the Angolan authorities to investigate all human rights violations and abuses with a view to urgent systemic reform.

Nobody should have to fear for their life, and the authorities must hold to account anyone who arbitrarily deprives an individual of their rights, particularly the right to life.

Yours sincerely,

Miss

Ana Celeste Cardoso

Januario (Pro)

Angola

Your Excellency President João Lourenço,

I urge you to put an end to the security forces’ use of excessive, disproportionate and lethal force.

I demand to the Angolan authorities to investigate all human rights violations and abuses with a view to urgent systemic reform.

Nobody should have to fear for their life, and the authorities must hold to account anyone who arbitrarily deprives an individual of their rights, particularly the right to life.

Yours sincerely,

Miss

Ana Celeste Cardoso

Januário

Angola

Your Excellency President João Lourenço,

I urge you to put an end to the security forces’ use of excessive, disproportionate and lethal force.

I demand to the Angolan authorities to investigate all human rights violations and abuses with a view to urgent systemic reform.

Nobody should have to fear for their life, and the authorities must hold to account anyone who arbitrarily deprives an individual of their rights, particularly the right to life.

Yours sincerely,

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