Nigerian civil group condemns Libya executions

Abuja, 04 June-(ANA)- Nigerian civil society group the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has petitioned President Goodluck Jonathan over the execution of Nigerians on death row in Libya.

The group urged the President “to urgently seek an extraordinary session of the African Union Assembly to discuss the execution of Nigerians and other Africans in Libya in order to proffer durable solutions to the recurring problem.” 

SERAP Solicitor Mr Femi Falana, said: “We are seriously concerned about the execution of eighteen persons, including nationals of Nigeria, following purported conviction for murder. The number of Nigerians executed is yet unknown but more than 200 people are reportedly currently on death row in Libya.”

Mr Falana said: “The death penalty continues to be used disproportionately against foreign nationals, including Nigerians, in Libya. We note that the Nigerians were executed following a seriously flawed process; for example, the Nigerians executed reportedly were not provided with interpretation or translation assistance during legal proceedings, which were conducted in Arabic. They were also denied access to the Nigerian consular office in Libya.”(ANA)

FA/ANA/04 June 2010--------