Guinea: several churches burned down and destroyed in Nzérékoré
The Republic of Guinea, often called Guinea-Conakry, is a predominantly Muslim country (85% of the population). The legislative elections which took place on the 22nd of March were accompanied by numerous acts of violence, some of which directly affected Christians.
In the face of opposition demonstrations against the holding of the double ballot, the defence and security forces made excessive and indiscriminate use of force against the demonstrators and passers-by, using live ammunition, tear gas and baton charges.
In Nzérékoré, more than 800 km from the capital, clashes broke out on polling day and went on until the following day. At least 22 people were killed and over 100 were injured. Bodies have been buried at night without the permission of the families of the victims, according to a statement from the Collective of Human Rights Organizations in Forest Guinea.
“In Dorota, the church was torched on the 22nd of March around 9 p.m. It is a 2,000-seat building. The roof is completely collapsed, the walls are rickety. I don’t know what could have justified such attacks”, said a witness.
Source: amnesty.org
