April 14th 2012: This is the second letter sent in protest at the arrest of Basile Mahan Gahe arrested in April 2011.
Dear President Ouattara,
We are angered to learn that the general secretary of diginite, Basile Mahan Gahe is still being held in detention after his April 2011 abduction, a grave violation of the principle of freedom of association.
We the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) stand in Solidarity with Unions and Activists world wide in their condemnation of this abduction, torture and detention which is an attempt to prevent any free and independent Trade Union movement by showing a lack of respect for human rights.
We insist your government drop the absurd charges against Basile Mahan Gahe and release him immediately, ensuring his safety and well being at all times as well as full recognition for the rights of working class people to freedom of association and expression at all times without hindrance from the state.
We await news of his unconditional immediate release.
Yours Sincerely,
Andy Smith, International Solidarity Liaison Officer