Chad’s opposition Les Transformateurs party on Monday reiterated their demand for the immediate release of their leader, Dr. Succès Masra, who has been in custody for three days.
In a statement delivered from the party headquarters in N’Djamena, party Secretary-General Dr. Tog-Yeum Nagorngar denounced what he called a “political smear campaign” aimed at discrediting Masra. It marked the third public address by the party since the arrest of their president.
Nagorngar referenced an audio recording presented by authorities as key evidence, which the party claims was “manipulated using artificial intelligence” and dates back over two years. They argue that such a recording cannot legally justify Masra’s arrest.
He also expressed gratitude to allied organizations—including the Justice and Equality coalition, GECAP, and Wakit Tama—for condemning the arrest, which he labeled an “arbitrary detention.”
The party contends that the statements cited in the recording—delivered in both French and Chadian local languages—are protected under the Kinshasa Political Agreement and the General Amnesty Law, ruling out any subversive intent. It further criticised what it described as selective enforcement of justice, noting that similar remarks by pro-government figures have gone unpunished.
“We expect him to be questioned and released today. Nothing less,” Nagorngar declared on Monday, urging supporters to remain mobilised to welcome their leader upon his release.
Masra’s legal team previously denounced the arrest on Saturday, calling it “grossly unlawful” and a flagrant violation of due process and the presumption of innocence. They demand his immediate and unconditional release, insisting that the case lacks any substantive legal basis.
N’Djamena’s Attorney General, Oumar Mahamat Kédélay, stated that Masra was detained as part of an investigation into a March 14, 2024, attack in Mandakao, Logone Occidental Province, which left 42 people dead—mostly women and children.
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