Ugandan Academic Stella Nyanzi Charged with "Cyber Harassment"

Ugandan academic and government critic Stella Nyanzi has been charged with a "cyber harassment" offense after repeatedly posting criticism of President Yoweri Museveni and his wife on Facebook, according to court documents.

Nyanzi, 42, is a research fellow at Uganda’s Makerere University. She was arrested late Friday for violating a law against misusing computers.

Nyanzi has banned from traveling abroad in March, and the state-run university where she works has begun procedures to fire her. She remains in custody pending a bail hearing.

Endangered Scholars Worldwide is gravely concerned about Nyanzi's detention. We call for letters, emails, and faxes respectfully urging authorities in Uganda to investigate the situation; to ensure Nyanzi's well being while in custody; to lift any charges or convictions related to Nyanzi's peaceful exercise of protected human rights; and to address her case in a manner consistent with internationally recognized standards of due process, fair trial, and detention in accordance with Uganda’s obligations under international law.

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