TAKE ACTION FOR HUMAN RIGHTS

DROP CASE AND RESTRICTIONS AGAINST ACTIVIST

Angola UA 75.25

Serrote José de Oliveira, also known as General Nila, was released on July 23, 2026 after spending almost one year in pretrial detention, however, proceedings and restrictions against him remain in place. Arrested on July 28, 2025 while livestreaming on TikTok during a taxi driver’s strike, a plain clothed officer fired several shots at him. Two bullets struck his leg, and one remains lodged in his body. Despite a judicial order, he has not received adequate medical care. The authorities have not identified any unlawful act committed by him nor justified the shooting.

Call on the Angolan authorities to immediately drop the case, lift restrictions, ensure treatment, and provide Serrote José de Oliveira with access to justice and effective remedies. Authorities must also thoroughly and effectively investigate the shooting - send your message using our email writing tool.

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Minister

Marcy

Cláudio Lopes

Minister of Justice and Human Rights

Dear Minister of Justice and Human Rights,

I am concerned about Serrote José de Oliveira, also known as General Nila, an activist and leader of the UNTRA Movement (National Union for the Total Revolution of Angola). General Nila was arrested on July 28, 2025 while on his way to visit a relative in hospital. He was livestreaming on TikTok and encouraging people to stay at home during the taxi driver’s strike.

Witness accounts, later corroborated by General Nila, indicate that two men in plain clothes, believed to be linked to the Criminal Investigation Service, approached him and fired multiple shots at his legs. Two bullets struck him. One passed through his body, while the other remains lodged in his body to this day. Despite a judicial order for his transfer to a prison hospital, he did not receive adequate specialized medical care.

While I was relieved to learn that he was released on July 23, 2026, after the Luanda Court of Appeal concluded that the legal requirements for his detention had not been met, it is distressing to learn that proceedings against him remain open. Furthermore, he faces imposing restrictions, such as having to report to the authorities every 15 days and being prohibited from leaving Angola.

I urge you to ensure that the criminal proceedings against General Nila are immediately discontinued and that all restrictions imposed on him are lifted. The authorities must not continue to misuse the criminal justice system to target and harass him for his activism. Authorities must also ensure that he receives appropriate medical care, and that a prompt and effective investigation is conducted into his shooting, with anyone suspected to be responsible brought to justice.

Yours sincerely,

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