Nigerian court accused of delaying Sheikh Zakzaky's treatment
Attempts to secure the release of imprisoned Nigerian Muslim cleric Sheikh Ibrahim al-Zakzaky have suffered a fresh setback with the adjournment of a court hearing that was due to decide whether the ailing leader of the African country's Islamic movement should be freed to receive urgent medical treatment.
Sheikh Zakzaky was scheduled to appear in court on Monday but the court in the northern city of Kaduna adjourned the bail hearing until August 5.
Femi Falana, Zakzaky's lawyer, said eight medical reports attached to the bail application showed that Zakazy needed urgent medical attention in Egypt.
"Doctors have confirmed that he has lost an eye and the second one may be lost on account of advanced glaucoma. Secondly, pellets in his body have not been removed," said Falana. He said the pellets - shrapnel from the 2015 clash - was causing lead poisoning, having been in his body for four years.
Supporters and members of Members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) — which Sheikh Zakzaky heads — say the adjournment is a deliberate ploy to drag out proceedings so that the ailing sheikh’s condition deteriorates to the point of no return.
Massoud Shadjareh, chair of the UK-based Islamic Human Rights Commission (IHRC), also expressed concern over the deteriorating health conditions of the Nigerian Muslim leader.
IHRC chair Massoud Shadjareh said: “This adjournment for one more week has gone beyond ridiculous. The court knows that the sheikh’s health is critical. It has to do the right thing which is to serve justice and stop politicking for the benefit of those who want to see Sheikh Zakzaky dead.”
Nigerian authorities had earlier this month promised to issue international passports to the sheikh and his wife so they can leave the country in order to receive medical attention. However they have since backtracked on their assurances prompting the pair’s lawyers to seek their release through the courts.
In a recent letter to the United Nations (UN), dozens of Western intellectuals called on UN chief Antonio Guterres to pressure Nigeria to release the senior Muslim figure. They also urged the world body to take concrete action against ongoing violations being committed against scholars and rights campaigners by Nigerian authorities and the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.
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