Femi Falana condemned the Nigerian government’s plan to proscribe the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) popularly known as Shi’ites, following a court order received on Friday.
According to the human rights activist and lawyer to the leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, the proscription which he described as ‘immoral and illegal’ was planned by the Sunni Muslims occupying public offices.
Recounting how he secured an Appeal Court judgment on behalf of President Muhammadu Buhari and his defunct political party, All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) after violent attacks by the police on Nigerians protesting in Kano against the alleged rigging of the 2003 General Elections, Femi Falana stated that the justices of the Court of Appeal unanimously held that the rights of Nigerians to protest against the policies of the government was part of the freedom of expression guaranteed by the Constitution.
He further disclosed that the court declared that police permit for rallies was illegal and unconstitutional.
He concluded by stating that the proscription of the IMN will not stand, as the fundamental right of the Shiites to freedom of religion is constitutionally guaranteed.
