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Message: [QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 80479, member: 636"] UN rights chief calls out Guinea's pre-election crackdown. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, told Guinean authorities to stop intimidating people and open up the political space before the upcoming presidential vote. He cited severe restrictions and a climate of fear created by the government. Specific tactics mentioned were bans on opposition parties, cases of enforced disappearances targeting activists and journalists, and heavy media censorship. The statement detailed unresolved kidnappings. It mentioned relatives of an opposition figure named Elie Kamano, specifically his sons and nephews, taken by armed men. It also noted the father of a journalist, Maoudou Babila Keita, was kidnapped in what was seen as retaliation. Turk argued these actions scare political figures, wreck campaign efforts, and hurt voter turnout, which makes the whole election look bad. He pushed for investigations into the disappearances, demanded to know where the missing people are, and called for those responsible to face consequences. He insisted that Guinea needs a safe environment for political participation, protecting free speech and peaceful assembly. This election is the first presidential election since a military coup took place in the country. International observers have repeatedly worried about repressive steps by Guinea's leaders, like banning political gatherings, restricting press outlets, and the alleged disappearances. The UN commissioner had already urged compliance with human rights laws back in September to allow for a genuinely inclusive election process. [/QUOTE]

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