In Benin, a proposed special amnesty law for the benefit of opposition figures in exile was rejected on January 3, 2024 by the law committee of the National Assembly. A new episode in this legislative battle on the subject. Details.
1 min
With our correspondent in Cotonou, Jean-Luc Aplogan
At Benignafter the president of the country Patrice Talon, it was the law committee of the National Assembly which rejected on January 3, 2024 the proposed special amnesty law for the benefit of Reckya Madougou, Joël Aïvo and other personalities of the opposition in exile.
This rejection decision is not surprising: it came by vote in a commission where the elected representatives of the opposition party The Democrats are in the minority. Result: 17 votes to 6 in favor of the Talon camp.
This rejection triggered criticism from the initiators of the proposal. They believe that the majority is in the same logic as that of Patrice Talon. The Beninese head of state has in fact always said “no” to this demand, explaining again recently that it was not achievable.
“ Free nastiness », accuses an opposition elected official who recalls that UN experts have confirmed the arbitrary detention of Reckya Madougou.
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“ The proposal, technically, is a Russian salad », criticizes a pro-Talon MP. It is personalized instead of being impersonal, he regrets.
It is a tactic to perhaps push the opposition into political negotiation, analyzes an observer.
Despite the rejection, the proposal will be introduced in plenary, we do not yet know when and what fate will be reserved for it.
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