21 months in detention without trial: Human Rights Forum calls for independent, fair and rights-respecting justice.

The Human Rights Forum (FHR) is deeply concerned about the situation of Jodel DZEDZO, a lawyer and journalist who is finally appearing before the courts after spending 21 months in detention without trial.

Prolonged detention without a judicial decision raises serious concerns regarding the protection of fundamental rights and the rule of law. Every person deprived of liberty has the right to know the charges brought against them, to have access to legal counsel, and to be tried within a reasonable time by an independent and impartial court.

The case of Jodel DZEDZO is a reminder that pre-trial detention must never become a form of punishment before judgment. Justice must remain a space where the presumption of innocence is protected, the rights of the defence are fully guaranteed, and no individual is arbitrarily deprived of their liberty.

As an organisation committed to the promotion and protection of human rights, democracy, justice and human dignity, the Human Rights Forum:

Calls on the judicial authorities to guarantee Jodel DZEDZO a free, fair, independent and transparent trial; Urges full respect for the presumption of innocence and the rights of the defence; Calls for a thorough review of the legality, necessity and proportionality of his prolonged detention;Reminds the authorities that lawyers and journalists must be able to carry out their professional duties without unjustified intimidation, harassment or interference;Encourages national and international human rights mechanisms to closely monitor these proceedings.

Twenty-one months in detention without trial means twenty-one months of lost freedom and suspended rights.

The Human Rights Forum (HRF) will continue to monitor this case and to document and denounce violations of fundamental rights. We remain committed to advocating for justice that is independent, accessible, timely and respectful of the dignity of every human being.

Justice must not only be done. It must be done fairly, independently and within a reasonable time.