REDHAC seeks gov't intervention in Mowha detention

The Observatory has been informed by the network of defenders of human rights in Central Africa (REDHAC) of arbitrary detention, judicial harassment and ill-treatment of Mr. Franklin Mowha, president of Frontline Fighters For Citizens Interests (FFCI), an association for the defence of human rights operating in the Western region of Cameroon.

The Observatory for the protection of the rights of man, joint programme of the International Federation of the League of the rights of man (FIDH) and the World Organisation against torture (OMCT), requests the government to intervene urgently on the following situation in Cameroon.

According to the information received, Mr. Franklin Mowha was detained from December 2013 for "destruction of public goods" and "contempt of public servant in the performance of his duties" on the basis of articles 187 and 154 of the penal Code, and risk up to two years imprisonment and a fine of 20 000 to 20 million CFA FRANCS.

On 4 December 2013, Mr. Franklin Mowha was arrested while he was in the Ter Brigade of the Gendarmerie de Bangangté, head of the Department of the Nde, on a visit to Mr. Nouyep Serge, Member of the movement peasants of Cameroon (M - PAC), for an inter-community dispute.

Furthermore, in a letter on February 1, 2010 to the sub-prefect of the Arrondissement of Bangangté, and in another dated December 26, 2013, to the President of the Republic of Cameroon, Mr. Franklin Mowha denounced acts of torture and other abuses against indigenous Bororo, on instruction from the top Chef [2] of Bangangté.

The Observatory was deeply concerned about arbitrary detention and ill-treatment suffered by Mr. Mowha Franklin, as well as acts of judicial harassment against him on the basis of false accusations aimed at hindering the activities of the human rights defender.

The Observatory is concerned particularly on the misuse of military justice against a civilian, also defender of the rights of man, in order to deny the most basic rights. The Observatory calls the Cameroonian authorities to release him immediately and unconditionally.