Date: Friday, October 26, 2018
Meeting point: Nicon Junction Bus Stop, at the beginning of Alvan Ikoku Street, Maitama, Abuja.
Time: 2:30pm-3:30pm
Dear friends, journalists, media colleagues & lovers of freedom and justice.
No doubt the world has been stunned since 2 October 2018 by the revelations surrounding the bestial murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Ahmad Khashoggi by Saudi authorities in the premises of the Saudi Arabia Consulate in Turkey.
Saudi Arabia remains one of the most perilous places in the world for journalists, human rights advocates, and citizens critical of the monarchy government. The country is ranked 169th/180 in Reporters Without Borders’ 2018 World Press Freedom Index.
“It was painful for me several years ago when several friends were arrested. I said nothing. I didn’t want to lose my job or my freedom. I worried about my family,” reads one of Jamal’s painful reflections. “I have made a different choice now. I have left my home, my family and my job, and I am raising my voice. To do otherwise would betray those who languish in prison. I can speak when so many cannot. I want you to know that Saudi Arabia has not always been as it is now. We Saudis deserve better.”
In solidarity, Nigerian journalists, civil society activists, and human rights advocates will embark on a peaceful procession to the Saudi Arabia Embassy in Abuja on Friday, 26 October 2018, between the hours of 2:30pm-3:30pm, to demand #JusticeForJamal. Our aim is to send a strong message that as Nigerians we completely abhor the inhumane murder of Jamal by Saudi authorities.
We will use the opportunity to further remind the Nigerian government of our own Fallen Nigerian journalists, over a dozen murdered with their killers going unpunished. Incidentally, this month marks 32 years since the unsolved murder of journalist Dele Giwa killed via a parcel bomb on October 19, 1986.
It is on this note that we humbly request your presence and the support of your organisation to lend its voice to this cause by participating and giving coverage to this peaceful civil protest. We also want to set a precedent for journalists and civil society actors in other countries to do same, in solidarity, to demand #JusticeForJamal.
On a final note, we are convinced that this is the right thing to do in honour of Jamal’s life. We have taken a stand that his death will not be in vain. We look forward to your availability to join us on this peaceful procession to the Saudi Arabia Embassy Plot 2666, Volta Close, Off Thames Street, Off Alvan Ikoku Street, Minister’s Hill, Maitama, Abuja.
Our meeting point is by the traffic light at Nicon Junction Bus Stop, at the beginning of Alvan Ikoku Street, Maitama, Abuja. Procession kicks off 2:45pm prompt. Please endeavour to be time.
When Injustice Becomes Law, Resistance Becomes A Duty!
Thank you.
Peter Nkanga
Convener,
Coalition of Nigerian Media & Civil Society Groups
