A Chadian priest has been released after being arrested for “inciting division and endangering national cohesion,” according to the government.
Father Madou Simon-Pierre was freed less than 24 hours after his arrest, which sparked a public outcry.
The first pictures of his release show him at the Primate’s residence, accompanied by the Metropolitan Archbishop, Mgr Edmond Djitangar, and another cleric.
“Many people intervened for my release: the President of the Republic, the Prime Minister, the Archbishop, the Christian community. Thank you for this mobilisation. I’m fine, nothing serious,” said the clergy as he left the Primate’s offices.
On August 5th, the priest was apprehended while he was taking care of himself in the health center of his parish in N’Djamena, by people who claimed to be visitors, according to the parish guard who witnessed the incident.
A few hours after the incident, the government announced that it was an interpellation and not an abduction.
Father Madou was arrested by the forces of law and order in a regular manner and in strict compliance with the legal procedures in force, it said.
”The arrest follows a thorough investigation by the competent authorities after Father Madou repeatedly made statements that incite division and jeopardize national cohesion,” said government spokesman Abdraman Koulamallah.
In a statement, the Metropolitan Archbishop of N’Djamena, Mgr Edmond Djitangar, said it was regrettable that “the arrest was carried out in a ruthless manner, despite his state of health”.
The arresting officers fired four bullets at the gate to force his entry, the archbishop said.
Father Madou Simon-Pierre is known for denouncing injustices and human rights violations committed by those in power.