The Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) on Wednesday called for the immediate release and dropping of charges against activists Michael Amushelelo and Dimbulukeni Nauyoma as well as Member of Parliament, Inna Hengari. In a press release issued by PDM secretary-general Manuel Ngaringombe, the party demanded the release of Amushelelo, Nauyoma and Hengari after they were arrested on Tuesday during the national protest against unemployment in Namibia. Amushelelo and Nauyoma were charged with Contravening the Public Gathering Act 23 of 1989, malicious damage to property, inciting public violence and contempt of court. ‘We demand the immediate release and dropping of charges against Amushelelo, Nauyoma and Hengari,’ said Ngaringombe. He added that the party condemns the arrests and the infringement on their fundamental human rights to assemble peacefully without arms. Ngaringombe said this demonstrates a growing culture of police brutality and human rights violation that threatens the actualisation of the right to protest. The PDM secretary-general concluded by saying that the party will continue to advocate for the declaration of a state of emergency over youth unemployment.
Source: NAMPA
