Stefanus Nashama
Calls for the immediate release of arrested activist and member of Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEEF), Michael Amushelelo have gradually increased on social media, with many young people warning of another mass action at national level.
Many young people expressed that they are uncomfortable with the way the Magistrate Court is handling and dealing with Amushelelos’ criminal cases.
According to social media comments associated with the call for Amushelelo’s immediate release, the youth believe that Amushelelo’s continued incarceration is a ‘planned hidden agenda’ that prevents him from opening the public’s eyes to the many things he knows while the country is at the peak of campaigning for the national assembly and presidential elections where many politicians are believed to likely score points on empty promises. wAmushelelo appearances at the Katutura Magistrate’s Court attract a crowd of young people, chanting and demanding that he be freed.
Amushelelo, was previously arrested on many occasions, was again arrested on 21 March 2023, Namibia’s Independence Day. He has since been in custody awaiting further legal proceedings.
His court case has seen a number of postponements, with the state maintaining its position of denying him bail.
Amushelelo made another appearance in the Katutura Magistrate Court last week Friday when the matter was postponed to 25th October.
The charges against him include inciting public violence, malicious property damage, and violating a court order.
Amushelelo’s legal representative, Kadhila Amoomo said they will continue to represent him. Amushelelo, along with fellow activist Dimbulukeni Nauyoma and PDM lawmaker, Inna Hengari, were arrested by the Namibian police after they arrived at the scene of a gathered crowd that had been mobilized to stage a protest against youth unemployment.
The trio said they were in the process of informing the crowd to disperse as their urgent application to the High Court to hold the protest was denied, and they were arrested shortly thereafter.
The call for his immediate release was initiated by Hengari after she was released from cells on bail in an amount of N$5 000.
Nauyoma was also granted bail in the same amount.
