Five civil society activists were arrested in the Central African Republic following an appeal for a 'dead city' protest against the rise in fuel prices. Authorities took the individuals into custody in Bangui as the demonstration gained momentum across the capital. The Compagnie nationale de sécurité conducted the detentions after the activists organized the strike to challenge current economic conditions. Nicolas Tiangaye confirmed the arrests and subsequently demanded that the government either formally charge the detainees or release them immediately. The legal representative criticized the ongoing detention of the activists, noting the lack of official charges filed by the state. Current reports indicate the individuals remain in custody as legal proceedings regarding their status continue.
Detention Conditions and Locations
Four of the activists remain held at the Compagnie nationale de sécurité, while one individual is currently detained at the central police station. Police authorities have denied lawyers access to meet with any of the five detainees since their arrests. The restriction on legal counsel has prevented the defense team from consulting with their clients to prepare for potential judicial proceedings. Despite repeated attempts to establish contact, police authorities have maintained this denial of access, citing internal procedures for the current refusal to grant visitation rights.
Nicolas Tiangaye, the lawyer representing the five arrested activists, formally notified the prosecutor of the Republic at the Bangui High Court in writing regarding the constitution of the legal defense team. This formal notification serves as a procedural step to establish the legal representation of the five individuals before the judicial authorities. Mr. Tiangaye maintains that the actions of the activists do not warrant such treatment. Addressing the nature of the protest, Nicolas Tiangaye stated, "Ce ne sont pas des terroristes, ils ne vont pas pousser les gens à mener des actions subversives, ils vont tout simplement demander à la population de rester à la maison."
The legal defense team continues to monitor the status of the detainees while waiting for a formal response from the prosecutor of the Republic. The lack of communication from state authorities regarding the specific allegations against the activists remains a primary concern for the legal representatives. By notifying the Bangui High Court in writing, the lawyers have sought to assert the rights of the detainees to have proper legal counsel and to be informed of any pending charges. As the situation in Bangui remains tense following the 'dead city' protest, the confinement of the five activists has drawn significant attention to the legal processes surrounding civil society participation in the Central African Republic. The defense team expects that the notification provided to the prosecutor of the Republic will expedite the clarification of the detainees' legal status and address the current denial of access to their counsel. Until such time as the government provides formal charges or grants release, the activists will continue to be held across the two identified facilities.