Windhoek, Namibia - October 2, 2023
Juliet Amushelelo, wife of Michael Amushelelo, who has been on a hunger strike for the past four days, released a heartfelt statement today, urging the Namibian nation to join her in a protest scheduled for October 11, 2023. The protest aims to demand her husband's release on bail, highlighting the dire circumstances surrounding his detention.
Michael Amushelelo was arrested on March 21, 2023, for participating in an unlawful protest alongside two others who were subsequently released on bail.
In her emotional statement, Juliet expressed her deep concerns for her husband's well-being, stating, "Today marks 4 days since my husband Michael Amushelelo has been on a hunger strike. As his wife, this hurts me beyond words, knowing that I might get a call informing me that something has happened to him or that I should make arrangements for his body."
She went on to explain her husband's motivation for the hunger strike, saying, "My husband is convinced that since he has received little to no support from the Namibian nation, the same people he has been fighting for, he now needs to use all that he can to fight for his own freedom from behind bars."
The protest is scheduled to coincide with the day of Michael's trial, which is set to resume on October 11, 2023. Juliet also mentioned the previous trial date on September 12, 2023, which was postponed due to his absence in court.
Juliet Amushelelo appealed to the Namibian nation for unity, stating, "I know that I cannot do this on my own. Hence, why I, Julieta Amushelelo, am humbly asking the Namibian Nation to please join me at the protest for my husband to be granted bail. I believe that if we come in numbers and stand as one, this will be able to help him get justice."
Furthermore, she called for international support, saying, "I also ask that you please help me reach out to any human rights organizations worldwide and international media platforms to intervene in this matter."
More information about the protest is expected to be released in the coming days as the nation rallies behind Juliet Amushelelo's call for justice and her husband's release.