Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Daniel D
Published on 2024-04-01 18:57:52
Cameroonian lawyer Tamfu Richard has made an announcement about his intention to file a lawsuit against the Cameroonian government for freezing the bank account of former Supreme Court Chief Justice Ayah Paul Abine.
Tamfu made this announcement on Sunday, March 31, after meeting with Ayah Paul Abine in Buea. Ayah Paul had previously served as a justice and later became a member of the Cameroon Bar.
Barrister Tamfu revealed that Ayah Paul was forcibly detained on January 21, 2017, while he was serving as a justice at the Supreme Court. He was held in detention for 223 days without ever being formally charged.
Ayah’s detention is believed to have been a result of his outspoken criticism of the mistreatment of Anglophone Cameroonians during the crisis in the Northwest and Southwest regions.
Apart from freezing his bank account, the government has also withheld Ayah’s pension since his retirement in 2017.
Tamfu disclosed that Ayah Paul’s detention led to serious health issues, including paralysis from his waist down, a cardiac problem near his left eye, and his reliance on a wheelchair.
“Illegally freezing his account is preventing him from accessing his pension and necessary medical treatment,” remarked Richard.
As an advocate for human rights, Richard is determined to challenge this decision through legal means. “I swore an oath as a lawyer to speak up for the voiceless and defend the vulnerable,” he emphasized.
Richard’s decision to take legal action was prompted by Ayah Paul publicly speaking out about the freezing of his account at BICEC on Equinox TV.
“After confirming the authenticity of the situation and witnessing the health challenges Ayah Paul is facing, I feel compelled to take on his case and seek justice through the highest courts,” stated Richard.
Despite Ayah Paul submitting all required documents, he has yet to receive any of his retirement benefits.
Ayah Paul has had a diverse career, serving as an opposition politician in the People’s Action Party, a Member of Parliament for Akwaya, and a justice on the Supreme Court. Following his retirement enforced by the judicial council, he was later admitted to the Cameroon Bar.
Read the original article(French) on Mimi Mefo Info
