Angola: Release unjustly detained activists

On September 16, 2023, four activists—Adolfo Campos, Abraão Pedro Santos, Gilson Morreira, and Hermenegildo Victor José—were arrested. Just three days later, on September 19, 2023, they were quickly tried, convicted, and sentenced to 2 years and 5 months in prison.

They were charged with “disobedience and resisting orders” after trying to join a peaceful solidarity demonstration. No evidence was presented during their trial.

Since their detention, the health of Hermenegildo, Adolfo, and Gilson has worsened, largely due to being denied medical care. These activists were punished for peacefully exercising their human rights. They should be released immediately.

Here’s what you can do:

Write to the Angolan Minister of Justice and Human Rights urging him to:

• Take all necessary steps to ensure the immediate release of the four activists, as their detention stems solely from their peaceful activism.
• Ensure that the activists have immediate access to all necessary healthcare.
• Request that their detention conditions fully comply with the Mandela Rules.

Adolfo Miguel Campos André

Adolfo Miguel Campos André, 44, is an activist and leader of the Angolan Revolutionary Movement. He is a father of four and works as the head of assets for a local newspaper in Luanda. His activism began in 2011 when he, along with other young people, started a movement against the regime of former president José Eduardo Dos Santos. At that time, Dos Santos had been in power for 32 years, with his rule marked by corruption, social inequalities, and serious human rights abuses.

Gildo das Ruas

Gildo das Ruas, 29, is an activist and member of the Malangina Resistance Movement. He is a father of two young daughters and began attending demonstrations in 2014. In 2021, Gildo was arbitrarily detained for six months in Malange province due to his peaceful activism.

Abraão Pedro dos Santos

Abraão Pedro dos Santos, 37, is an activist and leader of the Panterra Negra Revolutionary Movement. He is also a member of the Sociedade Civil Constestatária Movement. A father of two, Abraão has participated in many peaceful demonstrations and has been arbitrarily detained several times. However, this is the first time he has been convicted.

During the trial, his name was initially left off the list of those convicted. Only Adolfo Campos, Tanaice Neutro, and Gildo das Ruas were mentioned. After the judge left, a court official returned to the courtroom and added Abraão’s name to the charge sheet, leading to his conviction.

Tanaice Neutro

Tanaice Neutro, 36, is an activist who uses Kuduro, an Angolan music style, to express his views on poverty, inequality, and corruption. In October 2022, he was sentenced to 15 months of suspended sentence for calling the president a clown. Despite a release order from the court, Tanaice was kept in prison for refusing to apologize to the president. He was finally released on June 23, 2023, but just two months later, on September 16, 2023, he was arrested again alongside three other activists.

Inconsistent charges and unfair trial

After their arrest in September 2023, the four activists were initially charged with “outrage and injury to the President of the Republic.” However, due to inconsistencies and lack of evidence, the charge was changed to “disobedience and resisting orders.” During the trial, one of the officers testified that the activists followed the law. Despite this testimony, they were still convicted.

Amnesty International’s concern

Amnesty International is deeply concerned about the increasing number of activists and human rights defenders being targeted by Angolan authorities. These actions violate their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.