Bobi Wine Arrest Sparks Global Condemnation

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Kyadondo East MP Bobi Wine has been arrested in Kampala’s Kaleerwe neighborhood just two days after being released from house arrest. Facing charges over his role in convoking demonstrations against the state’s social media tax last year, Bobi Wine is now being held in a maximum-security prison in Luzira. His detention and his house arrest last week have sparked broad condemnation from the international community.

The Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, a bipartisan caucus in the US House of Representatives, released a statement of censure via Twitter following Bobi Wine’s April 29 arrest:

US Senator from New Jersey Bob Menendez slammed Kampala’s repressive actions as a sign of weakness on the part of the government:

Former Prime Minister of New Zealand Helen Clark called upon the international community to remain vigilant in the face of Bobi’s persecution:

Human Rights Watch executive director Kenneth Roth reacted to the news by reminding the world of the torture and battery Wine suffered at the hands of the state during his last imprisonment:

US Congressman for California Brad Sherman called for Bobi Wine’s immediate release from Luzira prison:

The US Embassy in Uganda was categorical in its condemnation following Bobi Wine’s earlier detention in Kampala:

“Today we join the many Ugandans asking why their government has recently blocked musical concerts and radio talk shows, disrupted peaceful demonstrations and rallies, and deployed heavy-handed security forces against peaceful citizens.”

“Uganda’s Constitution guarantees freedom of assembly and expression. We echo the Ugandan people in calling on the government to respect these rights. Strong leaders and states do not stifle speech – they allow their citizens to participate fully and without fear in a vibrant multi-party democracy.”

US Congresswoman for California Karen Bass called upon Kampala to cease the persecution and to respect the rule of law:

“It is troubling that a Member of Parliament would be detained for exercising his right to freedom of speech and assembly while protesting peacefully in Uganda. Mr. Wine has captured the voice of young people in Uganda and should not be detained because of his political or social beliefs. It is unacceptable to assault, harass, or teargas any citizen because of their views. I encourage the government of Uganda to adhere to the rule of law and treat all its citizens justly regardless of political affiliations.”

Former member of Catalan Parliament Alfons López Tena also brought attention to the brutality Ugandan police unleashed upon Bobi Wine’s fans while arresting him before a concert in Kampala: