[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 178 (Friday, November 10, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2159]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             KEN SARO-WIWA

                                 ______


                        HON. JOHN EDWARD PORTER

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, November 10, 1995

  Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I am shocked and gravely concerned about the 
outrageous death sentences handed down by the Nigerian military 
tribunal to Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight other Ogoni leaders.
  The injustices committed by the Nigerian military dictatorship's 
special tribunal responsible for trying these men has been well 
documented by international human rights organizations and independent 
legal observers. This trial was conducted outside the regular court 
system and without consideration of the rights of the accused.
  As cochairman of the Congressional Human Rights Caucus I have sent 
numerous letters to the Nigerian Government calling for justice in this 
case. This recent trial and verdict attests to the Nigerian 
Government's unwillingness to abide by international human right 
standards ensuring that their citizens are afforded due process. The 
environmental destruction and human rights abuse that has impacted the 
Ogoni people and their lands for more than 40 years must be stopped. If 
Ken Saro-Wiwa or any of the Ogoni leaders are executed, Congress will 
see to it that all ties with Nigeria, not only diplomatic, but all 
economic ties, are completely and permanently severed.

                          ____________________