Police have denied permission for a public march planned for August 21 that was to be organised by SWN Advocacy.
The march was a protest against the 2013 Constitution, which the group describes as “imposed, racist, and illegitimate.”
However, Police have refused to grant a permit for the procession, citing national security concerns.
“We categorically reject this justification,” said Niko Nawaikula, President of SWN Advocacy.
“Peaceful protest is a cornerstone of any functioning democracy. To deny this right on vague and unsubstantiated grounds is to erode the rule of law and further restrict civic space.”
SWN Advocacy argues that the refusal is a violation of constitutional rights enshrined in the very Constitution.
“This denial is a painful return to the alarming pattern of past years where dissenting voices and civil society actors are systematically silenced.”
“Our planned march sought to shine a light on these issues in a peaceful and constructive manner. That such an initiative is now deemed a ‘threat’ is both ironic and deeply troubling.”