HIV positive influencer has been refused her medication since her arrest in August 2023

Location: Angola, Luanda
Date: October 10, 2023

Updated on January 17, 2024

Popular influencer Ana da Silva Miguel, known as Neth Nahara, received a 2-year prison sentence for “insulting” President João Lourenço on TikTok in October 2023. Since her arrest she has been denied access to her HIV treatment. Authorities are violating her right to sexual and reproductive health. The Coalition For Women In Journalism and Women Press Freedom demands Miguel receives medical care urgently. We urge Angolan authorities to review her case, drop all charges and release her immediately.

On October 10, 2023, the Luanda Court of Appeal extended social media influencer Ana da Silva Miguel’s six-month prison sentence to two years behind bars. The TikTok creator, who was initially sentenced in August, was convicted for “insulting” President João Lourenço. 

Miguel, well-known for her candid social commentary online, is the first Angolan sentenced for comments made in a TikTok video. Miguel has more than 200,000 followers on the social media platform. Her videos attract thousands of views.

In the offending clip, Miguel accuses the president of "anarchy and disorganization." She blames the leader, who has been in power since 2017, for the country’s lack of schools, housing, and jobs.

The court of appeal ruled that her initial six-month sentencing was too lenient. The judge said because of her sizable following on TikTok, she could influence public opinion, making her comments more “objectionable.”

She was also ordered to pay a fine of $1,200 to President Lourenço for the “damage” caused to his reputation.

Miguel’s lawyer says the ruling is final. She cannot appeal to the Supreme Court as her sentence was less than three years.

In 2020, the influencer publicly disclosed her HIV-positive status. According to Amnesty International, Miguel has been deprived of her daily medication for the virus since her arrest in August. This infringement on women's rights has significantly jeopardized her health, posing a serious risk to her life. Her health has reached a critical and worsening state, leading to an emergency hospitalization on December 3, 2023. 

The influencer was convicted under Article 333 of Angola’s Penal Code, enacted in 2021. This provides a prison sentence of six months to three years for anyone who expresses “outrage against the State” through “words, images, writings or sounds.” The law has been criticized by legal experts, who claim it is vague and infringes upon citizen’s right to freedom of expression.

In 2022, activist and singer Tanaece Neutro was also sentenced under this law for calling the President names. Amnesty International launched an appeal for his release, claiming he “was convicted for the peaceful exercise of his right to freedom of expression.”

The state heavily influences Angola’s media environment, with the government or members of the ruling party own most radio, television, and newspapers. Miguel’s sentencing shows a determination by the President, who was re-elected last year, to ensure critical voices reporting online tow the party line. Miguel’s sizeable TikTok following and willingness to comment on the government’s failures make her a threat to the President’s government and challenge its control over the political discourse. 

The Coalition For Women In Journalism and Women Press Freedom denounces the sentencing of Ana da Silva Miguel. It casts a shadow over all those who wish to speak freely and critically about the government online. We are also deeply concerned for her health, and demand she receives medical treatment behind bars.

President of Angola must respect press freedom and stop targeting journalists critical of his rule. Miguel must be released immediately.

The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.

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