Amnesty calls on Ivory Coast to release 'unjustly arrested' election protesters

Arrests During Ivory Coast Election Protests

Amnesty International has reported on the detention of several individuals in Ivory Coast following protests related to the presidential election held in October. The election resulted in Alessane Ouattara securing a fourth term, amid controversy and the exclusion of two major opposition candidates from the race.

Amnesty International indicates that some detainees were apprehended merely for being present near the protests. Notably, the group includes three women who are in advanced stages of pregnancy. A legal representative for these women stated that they were detained while conducting their everyday activities and have suffered significant mental and physical impacts.

The government maintains that it is committed to establishing a legal state framework and asserts that the arrested individuals have been charged with committing offenses. It is important to note that in 2016, Ouattara amended the constitution to impose a two-term limit on the presidency.

Based on reporting by Africanews.