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Secessionist suspects sue government

    JOHANNESBURG

    More than 120 alleged secessionists are suing the Namibian government of President Sam Nujoma for alleged “torture and unlawful imprisonment”, following last year’s violent rebellion in the Caprivi Strip.

    News reports said the alleged secessionists - who have been in detention since last August - are suing the minister of home affairs as head of the Namibian police and the minister of defence.

    The claimants, who are seeking about US $66,000 each, began filing their civil suits in the Namibian High Court last week and papers are expected to be served on the government next week. At least four senior police and army officials have been implicated in assaults against detainees using sjamboks, batons and rifle butts.

    Former parliamentarian Godfrey Mwilima, whose jaw was broken during the alleged assaults, has lodged the largest claim of about US $250,000.

    This article was produced by IRIN News while it was part of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Please send queries on copyright or liability to the UN. For more information: https://shop.un.org/rights-permissions

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