ANGOLA: ACTIVIST SHOT AND HELD INCOMMUNICADO

Dear Minister of Justice,

I am writing to express deep concern about serious human rights violations against 33-year-old Serrote José de Oliveira, also known as General Nila.

On July 28, Serrote José de Oliveira, an activist and leader of UNTRA Movement – (Unidade Nacional para Total Revolução de Angola) – was filming a live video with fellow activists during the first day of a protest against rising fuel prices in Luanda, Angola’s capital. A group of unidentified armed men approached and began shooting at the group. Serrote José de Oliveira was shot in the left leg. Witnesses believe the armed men were agents of the Criminal Investigation Service.

These same armed men were then seen transporting Serrote José de Oliveira to the Gameque village hospital. When his relatives arrived, the gunshot wound had been dressed. They, however, expected him to undergo further medical treatment. Minutes later, a National Police vehicle arrived, and an officer ordered that Serrote José de Oliveira be transferred to another location.

Contrary to what has been officially communicated by the authorities, Serrote José de Oliveira was not taken to a general hospital but was instead transferred to the Talatona Municipal Command Station, where he was interrogated. He last communicated with his family on July 28. Since then, his family and lawyer have had no further contact with him and do not know his whereabouts.

I urge you to immediately order the disclosure of the fate and whereabouts of Serrote José de Oliveira and to order his immediate release. Pending his release, he must be granted full access to urgent medical care, his family, and legal counsel.

Yours sincerely,

[YOUR NAME]