that state actors colluded with some of these groups. 1. Colombia: Agreement on a bilateral ceasefire and cessation of hostilities is an historic step forward (AMR 23/4311/2016) 2. Colombia: End of negotiations over conflict brings hopes of peace (News story, 25 August) 3. Colombia: Historic peace deal must ensure justice and an end to human rights abuses (News story, 26 September) 4. Colombia: Nobel Peace Prize shows Colombia must not close the door on hopes of peace with justice (News story, 7 October) 5. Colombia: Security forces must refrain from excessive use of force during rural protests (AMR 23/4204/2016) 6. Colombia: ELN must release journalists (AMR 23/4134/2016) 7. Colombia: Death threats to defenders and trade unionists (AMR 23/3837/2016) 8. Colombia: Paramilitary activity threatens Peace Community (AMR 23/4998/2016) 9. Colombia: Death threats to Afro-descendant leaders (AMR 23/3938/2016) CONGO (REPUBLIC OF THE) Republic of the Congo Head of state and government: Denis Sassou Nguesso Presidential elections were held amid violence and controversy. Political opponents were detained for peaceful criticism of the elections. Security forces used excessive force and sometimes torture to curb dissent. A new law further restricting the space for civil society organizations was passed. BACKGROUND On 20 March, presidential elections were held under a total communications blackout, with telephone and internet connections cut. Denis Sassou Nguesso was re-elected president. Amnesty International was denied entry to the country to monitor the human rights situation before the presidential elections. 128 FREEDOMS OF EXPRESSION AND ASSEMBLY Following the results of presidential elections, which were contested by the opposition, the authorities arrested several leading opposition figures, including senior campaign officials of presidential candidates Jean-Marie Michel Mokoko and André Okombi Salissa, accusing them of compromising national security. Those arrested and still in detention included Jean Ngouabi, Anatole Limbongo-Ngoka, Marcel Mpika, Jacques Banangazala and Ngambou Roland. Between 4 April and 14 June, Jean-Marie Michel Mokoko was kept under de facto house arrest, with security forces surrounding his compound without a judicial warrant. He was arrested on 14 June, charged with jeopardizing state security and unlawful possession of weapons and munitions of war, and was detained at the main prison in the capital, Brazzaville. He was later also charged with incitement to disturb public order. André Okombi Salissa was believed to have fled the country in June, following a raid by security forces on his home. A number of leading political figures, including Paulin Makaya, leader of the opposition Unis Pour le Congo, and Okouya Rigobert of the political group Convention d'action pour la démocratie et le développement (CADD) remained in detention, following their arrest in November 2015 for protesting against changes to the Constitution. On 25 July, Paulin Makaya was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment and a fine of €3,800 for taking part in an unauthorized protest. An appeal he filed on the same day was considered on 6 December, more than four months later, even though the timeline defined by law had expired and a reminder had been sent to the relevant authorities. His appeal was adjourned twice and a decision had not been taken at the end of the year. He remained a prisoner of conscience. The opposition platform “Initiative pour la démocratie au Congo - Front républicain pour le respect de l'ordre constitutionnel et Amnesty International Report 2016/17