A/HRC/60/62 from abroad. Some of them were subjected to “special criminal proceedings.”25 Notably, on 17 June and 16 July 2024, Mr. Leanid Sudalenka and Ms. Alena Masliukova were sentenced in absentia to terms of imprisonment. 32. On 16 July 2025, the Government responded to the note verbale sent in connection with the present report noting that allegations that the criminal prosecution of the individuals listed in Annex II were prompted by their cooperation with the UN are inappropriate and invalid, and stating that allegations that an atmosphere of fear, repression and intimidation in the country hinders cooperation with the UN are biased and unfounded. 5. Cameroon 33. The cases of Ms. Maximilienne Ngo Mbe and Ms. Alice Nkom of Central Africa Human Rights Defenders Network (REDHAC) were included in the 2018 and 2019 report of the Secretary-General. 26 These individuals suffered physical attacks, intimidation and harassment reportedly in connection to their cooperation with the Human Rights Committee during the review of Cameroon in October 2017. On 26 October 2017, five special procedure mandate holders addressed their situation (CMR 5/2017), and on 11 July 2017 the Government responded affirming that Ms. Ngo Mbe and Ms. Nkom have never been persecuted for their human rights work or cooperation with the UN and requested further detail about the allegations.27 34. During the reporting period, REDHAC actively engaged with the United Nations, particularly in the context of the review by the Committee against Torture and the Human Rights Committee of the 6th periodic reports of Cameroon under their respective Conventions. 35. On 19 September and 11 October 2024, respectively, REDHAC’s joint reports 28 submitted for the adoption of the list of issues prior to the review of 6th periodic report of Cameroon under the ICCPR and for the review of the 6th period report under CAT, were made public on the OHCHR website. Prior to that, on 4 and 5 September 2024, REDHAC had co-organised, with the OHCHR Treaty Body Capacity Building Programme and several civil society organizations a workshop in Yaoundé on the drafting of alternative reports in the context of the Lists of Issues Prior to Reporting for the Human Rights Committee, ensuring the participation of a broad range of civil society actors from all regions of the country. During the reporting period, the Human Rights Committee received and considered allegations of reprisals against REDHAC and its leadership reportedly for cooperation with the Committee. 36. According to information received by OHCHR, on 6 December 2024, the Ministry of Territorial Administration issued a decree suspending the activities of REDHAC for three months,29 and subsequently issued an order banning the organization.30 On 9 December, the doors of REDHAC’s offices were sealed by the authorities and its lawyers filed an administrative appeal. 37. On 20 and 22 January 2025 respectively, Ms. Nkom was summoned by the relevant authorities in connection with investigations into alleged “attempts to undermine State security”, “financing terrorism” and “breaking the seals” of REDHAC’s office. A week later, Ms. Nkom and Ms. Ngo Mbe were summoned to appear before the Court of First Instance of Douala-Bonanjo in relation to the offence of “breaking of seals.” Under Article 191 of the Penal Code, “breaking of seals” carries potential penalties of 6 months to 2 years of imprisonment and a fine ranging from 50,000 to 500,000 FCFA (around 80 to 870 USD). The hearing, initially scheduled for 7 April 2025, was postponed to 2 June 2025. Reportedly, 25 Articles 468-25 and 468-28, Chapter 49-3 of the Criminal Procedure Code. A/HRC/39/41, para. 31, and Annex I, paras. 7–8; A/HRC/42/30, Annex II, paras 15-16. 27 https://spcommreports.ohchr.org/TMResultsBase/DownLoadFile?gId=34200. 28 https://tbinternet.ohchr.org/_layouts/15/treatybodyexternal/Download.aspx?symbolno=INT%2 FCCPR%2FICS%2FCMR%2F59851&Lang=en. 29 https://x.com/MinatDivcom/status/1865451597515346303. See ARRETE N°000121/A/MINAT. 30 See ARRETE N°000122/A/MINAT. 26 50