Nigeria - Confirmation of Death Sentences

M133

9 November 1995

The Australian Government condemns the decision by Nigeria's Provisional Ruling Council (PRC) to confirm the death sentences imposed by a special tribunal on Mr Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight other members of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP). The PRC is the highest decision making body of Nigeria's military regime.

Today I met Mr Ken Saro-Wiwa's son and Mr Wole Soyinka the Nobel Laureate for literature to discuss the situation of the MOSOP detainees. I was shocked to hear that the PRC has confirmed the death sentences announced last week by the Ogoni Civil Disturbances Tribunal.

Australia is concerned by reports that the trial of the MOSOP activists was flawed. The Australian Government is also concerned that those sentenced had no proper right of appeal to a judicial body.

Australia is strongly opposed to capital punishment under any circumstances.

The Australian Government urges General Abacha to grant clemency to those sentenced to death. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will be calling in the Nigerian High Commissioner to express our condemnation of and deep concern over the confirmation of death sentences. The Australian High Commission has been instructed to register our concern directly with the Nigerian Government.