Prosecute all Indicted in Zaria Massacre – European Union

The European Union Head of missions in Nigeria has called on the Feder­al Government to investigate and prosecute all persons re­sponsible for the 2015 killings of Shiite members in Zaria in accordance with the laws of the land.The union made the call in a statement on Satur­day in which it commended the publication of the report of the Kaduna State Govern­ment’s Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the violence that occurred in Zaria.“The European Union Heads of mission in Nige­ria welcome the publication of the report of the Kaduna State Government’s Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the violence that occurred in Zaria in December 2015.“This is a very positive sign of transparency and the EU Heads of mission encourage other ongoing investigations to also publish their findings and recommendations.“We believe it is essential that all those responsible for the violence or violation of fundamental human rights in Zaria, from both sides, be equally investigated and pros­ecuted according to the law.”“The EU underscores the universality of human rights, which must apply equally to all people. This includes the right to freedom of wor­ship and the right to protest within the rules of law. We also underscore the impor­tance of religious tolerance in a multicultural environ­ment. In order to maintain peace and order, harassment of any particular communi­ty should be averted and di­alogue encouraged by the au­thorities,” it stated.The statement continued, “The EU Heads of mission in Nigeria are of the view that the authority of the govern­ment must be respected by all communities. In case of violence or disorder, the gov­ernment must ensure a fair and balanced investigation and all those accused of mis­conduct should be brought to justice.The EU urged the Nige­rian army to be consistent, transparent and fair in its in­vestigation and prosecution of those within the military who acted outside the rule of law during the Zaria clashes.