Bobi Wine asks police to release Nyanzi
Makerere University research fellow, Dr Stella Nyanzi at police headquarters in Naguru recently. FILE PHOTO
What you need to know:
- Dr Nyanzi was arrested at Makerere University last Friday.
- She is accused of insulting President Museveni's late mother.
Kyadondo East MP Robert Kyagulanyi popularly known as Bobi Wine has asked police to release Makerere University research fellow, Dr Stella Nyanzi who was arrested last week on accusations of harassing President Museveni when she allegedly insulted his late mother.
The Ugandan pop star said Tuesday that police are holding Dr Nyanzi illegally and should therefore take her to courts of law or set her free following her arrest last Friday.
“Dr Stella Nyanzi was arrested by CID detectives on Friday last week. To date, she has not been produced before any court. She is being detained illegally by the police, way beyond the 48 hours requirement,” he said.
According to him, police detaining suspects beyond the mandatory 48 hours as provided in the constitution has become a norm “and we must raise voices against it.”
“We demand that the authorities produce her before court so that she has an opportunity to defend herself against any charges they may have against her, or that she is set free. Dr Stella has always stood with pro-democracy activists whenever our rights have been violated. It is only right and proper that we stand with her when her rights are being violated,” he added.
Dr Nyanzi was arrested at Makerere University and she has since been detained at Kira Road Division Police Station in Wakiso District.
The CID spokesperson, Superintendent of Police Vincent Ssekatte told Daily Monitor on Tuesday that investigations are still ongoing, but declined to comment on why they are still holding her.
"Detectives are finalising their investigations. The file is on its way to the Resident State Attorney for perusal and advice," SP Ssekatte said.
It is alleged that Dr Nyanzi abused President Museveni and his late mother on September 16 on her Facebook page.
SP Ssekatte said she’s facing offensive communication and cyber harassment charges.
However, Nyanzi’s lawyer, Mr Isaac Semakadde said police cannot justify her continued detention but have to take her to court if there are any charges.
