Social media remains blocked in Chad

Expression

Social media - including Facebook, WhatsApp and Twitter - has been blocked in Chad since elections in April, despite calls from international and domestic civil society organisations for access to be restored. Civil society is currently campaigning for access to be restored, and to prevent the 'normalisation' of these restrictions on free speech. In the run up to and during the elections authorities had increased pressure on domestic and international reporters in an effort to curtail criticism of the incumbent government. 

Association

The Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders Rights (FIDH-OMCT) has condemned the continued reprisals against its representative, human rights defender Assingar Dobian. Mr Dobian, who is also honorary president of the Chadian League for Human Rights (LTDH), was dismissed without cause from his post of Chief Financial Officer of the National Rural Development Office (ONDR). This latest action follows previous harassment including anonymous threatening phone calls received in April. 

Peaceful Assembly

Since 4th April, human rights activist Dr. Albissaty Allazam Saleh, is being held in Am-Sinéné prison, Ndjamena as a result of his support for a peaceful civil society march planned for the 5th of April. His arrest followed the  detention of the leaders of several movements protesting against the President's decision to stand for a fifth term in office. Citizen movements 'Ҫa Suffit' and 'Trop c'est Trop' as well as Trade Unions have condemned these preventive detentions, claiming they demonstrate the government's determination to destroy democratic values in Chad. The rape of a 16 year old girl by the sons of senior political and military leaders sparked outrage and protests across major cities in Chad. Police reacted harshly to the protests, using tear gas to disperse crowds. One young protestor died during these disturbances.