29 children threatens the death penalty for protests against the cost of living in Nigeria

29 children threatens the death penalty for protests against the cost of living in Nigeria

in Nigeria, 29 children could be confronted with the death penalty after being charged on Friday for participating in a protest against the grievances caused by the cost crisis. Four of them collapsed in the courtroom based on exhaustion before they could comment.

indictment points against the protesting

A total of 76 demonstrators were confronted with ten severe charges, including treason, property damage, public disorder and mutiny, according to the decision that is available to the Associated Press news agency.

age of the accusing children

The accused are between 14 and 17 years old. Frustration over the cost of living has led to several mass protests in recent months. In August, at least 20 people were shot in a protest that called for better opportunities and jobs for young people, and hundreds were arrested.

legal position of the children

The death penalty was introduced in Nigeria in the 1970s, but there were no more executions since 2016. Akintayo Balogun, a lawyer based in Abuja, said that the Child Law Act does not allow children's law and therefore no death penalty.

"It is wrong from the start to bring minors to a federal court, unless the government can prove that the boys are all over 19 years old," said Balogun.

Bail conditions for the accused

The court finally granted each of the defenders a deposit of 10 million Naira (approx. $ 5,900) and set strict conditions that they have not been able to meet so far, reported Marshal Abubakar, lawyer. "A country that has the duty to raise his children decides to punish these children. These children were imprisoned without food for 90 days," said Abubakar.

criticism of the government

Yemi Adamolekun, the managing director of Enough is Enough, a civil society organization that works for good government in Nigeria, commented on the measures of the authorities: "The authorities have no place when it comes to pursuing children."

"The top judge Nigeria should be ashamed, she is a woman and a mother," added Adamolekun.

economic challenges of Nigeria

Although Nigeria is one of the largest crude oil producers in Africa, the country is one of the poorest in the world. Chronic corruption ensures that the lifestyle of public civil servants rarely matches the general public. Medical specialists often go on strike to protest their lean wages.

The politicians and legislators of the country, which are often accused of corruption, are among the best paid in Africa. Even the president's wife, whose office is not intended in the constitution, is entitled to SUVs and other privileges that are financed by the taxpayers.

The hunger problem in Nigeria

UN report on food uncertainty

On Thursday, Nigeria was classified in a report by the UN Food organizations as a "hotspot of very high concern" because a large number of people in Nigeria are confronted with critical level of acute food uncertainty.