CIVICUS discusses recent arbitrary detentions of Angolan activists with Pedro Domingos André ‘Paka’, also known as Pedro Paka, coordinator of Movimento Fúria-99, a human rights organisation.
On 19 July, the Criminal Investigation Service arbitrarily detained activist Osvaldo Caholo in Luanda, Angola’s capital, accusing him of rebellion and incitement after he gave an interview criticising government policies. Caholo, who was previously convicted in 2015, was taken from his home by plainclothes police officers without a warrant. The arrest took place during a week of intense repression, with police using teargas and rubber bullets against peaceful protests triggered by a fuel price increase. Caholo’s lawyer says the state intends to make Caholo an example to deter other activists.
