The East African
Wednesday December 23 2020
Uganda police disperse crowds in Kayunga town as they gather to welcome Ugandan musician-turned-politician Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, on December 1, 2020. Lawyer claims there is a political motive to dissuade investigations on police action during protests. PHOTO | AFP
Summary
Robert Amsterdam, Wine’s international lawyer, said the US must punish the rogue police to stop what he argued was ‘thuggish’ treatment of opposition figures and activists.
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Activists have asked the US to impose targeted sanctions on senior leaders of the Ugandan police force, following the brutal arrest of a lawyer representing opposition presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine.
A Ugandan human rights lawyer who represents opposition figure Bobi Wine was arrested on Tuesday on charges of money laundering, police said.
Nicholas Opiyo is the founder of the robust human rights defence organisation Chapter Four Uganda and is the lawyer for many activists.
Rights groups have increasingly criticised Uganda over arresting political opponents and violating freedom of association, assembly, and expression as last year authorities introduced new regulations restricting online activities and stifling independent media.
Uganda Police Force confirmed Opiyoâs arrest on Twitter for âallegations of money laundering and related malicious actsâ.
âThe investigations are progressing well and any new developments will be communicated in due course,â it added.
Daily Monitor
Wednesday December 23 2020
Police said Tuesday that Nicholas Opiyo was arrested by a joint task team of security and financial intelligence on allegations of money laundering and related malicious acts. PHOTO/ FILE
Summary
Opio was picked was picked up by plain clothed security operative from a restaurant in Kamwokya on Tuesday where he was having lunch with his friends.
Dr Kizza Besigye, the former Forum for Democratic Change president also weighed in, saying that the arrest of Opiyo is not surprising since his home was broken into in September and communication devices picked.
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The United States (US) Mission has criticized the arrest of Human Rights Lawyer, Nicholas Opiyo and tasked the government to ensure his safety.
Donors turn up the pressure over Nicholas Opiyo arrest
December 23, 2020 Nicholas Opiyo at court earlier
Donors have turned up the pressure and tasked government over the mafia-style arrest of human rights lawyer Nicholas Opiyo.
Opiyo was picked from Lamaro restaurant in Kamwokya by plained-clothed security operatives while having lunch with colleagues. For several hours, his whereabouts remained unknown until later in the evening when police confirmed that his arrest had been conducted by the Special Investigations Division on allegations of money laundering and related malicious acts.
The US ambassador to Uganda, Natalie E. Brown describes the arrest as troubling I just met Opiyo and was impressed by his commitment to rule of law & to uplifting his fellow citizens. News of his arrest is troubling and I call on the Ugandan Government to ensure his safety and wellbeing. Civil society must be able to carry out its essential role i