Comoros activist Désiré arrested again
Laurent Désiré, a civil society activist, faces repeated detentions since 2021 for his criticism of the government.
Laurent Désiré, a mechanic and civil society activist, was arrested on March 18 in Mitsamiouli, Comoros. This marks at least his fourth detention since 2021, with previous arrests occurring in Moroni. The latest arrest happened around 11 a.m. and is awaiting independent confirmation.
Désiré has been repeatedly detained for his criticism of President Azali Assoumani and his activism on social media and in public. His family and former lawyer have raised concerns about his health and access to care during previous imprisonments. The repeated detentions have led to questions about the legal procedures followed.
The latest arrest occurred just before a planned demonstration by the Rilemewa movement, which was protesting the high cost of living, water and electricity outages, unemployment, and restrictions on freedom of expression. Previous detentions have also coincided with public mobilizations.
Why it mattersCivil society activist Laurent Désiré faces repeated arrests and detentions in Comoros for his criticism of the government.