/ / ANGOLA: DROP CASE AND RESTRICTIONS AGAINST ACTIVIST

ANGOLA: DROP CASE AND RESTRICTIONS AGAINST ACTIVIST

UA: Second 75.25

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Serrote José de Oliveira, also known as General Nila, was released on July 23, 2026 after spending almost one year in pretrial detention, however, proceedings and restrictions against him remain in place. Arrested on July 28, 2025 while livestreaming on TikTok during a taxi driver’s strike, a plain clothed officer fired several shots at him. Two bullets struck his leg, and one remains lodged in his body. Despite a judicial order, he has not received adequate medical care.

The authorities have not identified any unlawful act committed by him nor justified the shooting. They must immediately drop the case, lift restrictions, ensure treatment, and provide him with access to justice and effective remedies. Authorities must also thoroughly and effectively investigate the shooting.

PLEASE TAKE ACTION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE UNTIL: February 7, 2027

Here is how you can take action:

Send a letter to the Angolan authorities
Send an email to the Angolan authorities
Post on social media

Scroll down to Step 1 and Step 2 to access the full Urgent Action appeal and sample letter, and U.S.P.S. mailing address (if available).

Take action

Step 1

READ THE FULL URGENT ACTION

Enter your email address and zip code to get the sample letter to send to government officials.

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You can now write a letter in your own words or download the sample below as a guide.

Remember to send your letter by February 7, 2027.

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Sample Letter

Dear Minister of Justice and Human Rights,

I am concerned about Serrote José de Oliveira, also known as General Nila, an activist and leader of the UNTRA Movement (National Union for the Total Revolution of Angola). General Nila was arrested on July 28, 2025 while on his way to visit a relative in hospital. He was livestreaming on TikTok and encouraging people to stay at home during the taxi driver’s strike.

Witness accounts, later corroborated by General Nila, indicate that two men in plain clothes, believed to be linked to the Criminal Investigation Service, approached him and fired multiple shots at his legs. Two bullets struck him. One passed through his body, while the other remains lodged in his body to this day. Despite a judicial order for his transfer to a prison hospital, he did not receive adequate specialized medical care.

While I was relieved to learn that he was released on July 23, 2026, after the Luanda Court of Appeal concluded that the legal requirements for his detention had not been met, it is distressing to learn that proceedings against him remain open. Furthermore, he faces imposing restrictions, such as having to report to the authorities every 15 days and being prohibited from leaving Angola.

I urge you to ensure that the criminal proceedings against General Nila are immediately discontinued and that all restrictions imposed on him are lifted. The authorities must not continue to misuse the criminal justice system to target and harass him for his activism. Authorities must also ensure that he receives appropriate medical care, and that a prompt and effective investigation is conducted into his shooting, with anyone suspected to be responsible brought to justice.

Yours sincerely,

[YOUR NAME]

Step 2

Send your message

Mail your letter to the government officials listed below. You can also email, fax, call, or post about them on social media.

Send your letter to:

Minister of Justice and Human Rights

Marcy Cláudio Lopes

Casarão da Justiça, Rua 17 de Setembro

Gombota, Luanda, LU, Angola

[email protected]

and

CC: Angolan Embassy in the United States

Ambassador Agostinho Van-Dúnem

Send a copy of your letter to the address below

2108 16th Street, NW

Washington, DC 20009

[email protected]

When writing your letter, don’t forget to be factual, brief, and show respect. See more letter writing tips and emails, or organize and host a letter writing party.

Other Urgent Actions for this Case

First UA Issued: [Angola 75.25]
Second UA Issued: [Angola 75.25]

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