Released CRM members promise to resist dictatorship

At least 15 Cameroon Renaissance Movement (CRM) party members and supporters who were arrested on September 22nd 2020 during a nationwide peaceful protest and detained in the New Bell central prison have been released after serving their two-year jail sentences.

They told CNA that they served an unjust prison sentence and will continue fighting for change in Cameroon:

“We were jailed unjustly. That has been done but we are out now with more determination than ever to bring the needed change in this country. The battle is just starting. Together we will defeat the Yaounde dictators” one of the former detainees declared.

Though happy to have been released from prison, these now former CRM political prisoners revealed their hearts still bleed following the death of one of theirs in the detention facility. They also regretted the fact that others who were slammed 3 to 5 years jail sentences are still incarcerated.

“The Biya regime should be ready to send us back to prison because we do not fear intimidation, repression and torture. In as much as the electoral code is not modified, they should get prepared to arrest us because we will keep protesting until things are done right” Ngahan, one of the released prisonners said.

The arrested CRM militants and supporters were thrown in over-crowded and disgusting detention facilities in Douala, Yaounde, Bafoussam, Nkongsamba and other towns in Cameroon and were exposed to the COVID-19 virus as well as cholera. Some inmates died and others have been chained to their hospital beds.

Ill treatments which have been condemned by human rights advocates and members of various civil society organizations.