Fuel Price Hike: IPC Condemns The Arrest Of Journalists, Says Protest Is Covered By The Rule Of Law

The International Press Center (IPC) has condemned the recent arrest of journalists covering a peaceful protest on the fuel price increase.

Condemning the arrest in a statement by Melody Akinjiyan its project officer, IPC demanded the immediate and unconditional release of the arrested journalists.

The four arrested journalists are Ifeoluwa Adediran of Premium Times; Abiodun Ayeoba of Sahara Reporters; Awoniyi Oluwatosin of Objective Media; and Daniel Tanimu of Galaxy Television.

Read Also: Fuel Price Hike: Police Arrest Protesters In Lagos

IPC also held that the protest was in line with the provision of the rule of law.

“The cameras and phones of the journalists were seized while they were taken to the Lagos State Police Command.

“IPC disapproves of the harassment and brutalization of the journalists in the course of legitimate duty and particularly decries the seizure and damage of their working tools.

“IPC demands the immediate and unconditional release of the journalists. The Police should also return their seized gadgets and pay compensation for the damaged ones.

“IPC reiterates that the right to peacefully assembly to ventilate grievances over government policies is covered by the laws of the federation and should not be tampered with arbitrarily.”

AllNews had earlier reported that police arrested about 18 people who were protesting against the recent increase in fuel price and electricity tariff.