Niger: Human Rights Bodies Call For The Release of The Arbitrarily Detained
Two prominent NGOs, Human Rights Watch (HRW) and Amnesty International, have demanded the immediate release of individuals who have been unlawfully detained in Niger by the military regime resulting from the coup d'état on July 26.
According to a press release issued by the organizations, the Nigerien authorities should release all individuals who have been detained arbitrarily also condemning the repression of journalists and government opponents.
HRW Sahel researcher, Ilaria Allegrozzi emphasized the necessity for the military regime to uphold human rights and ensure press freedom.
Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch report that President Mohamed Bazoum, following the coup, has been confined to his presidential residence with his wife and son. The two NGOs assert that numerous ministers from the overthrown regime have been imprisoned in different jails across the nation.
According to the NGOs, the detentions of these individuals are deemed arbitrary due to their politically motivated nature.
The organizations also allege that the authorities have engaged in threatening, harassing, intimidating, and arbitrarily arresting journalists, young individuals, alleged political opponents, and individuals who express critical opinions.
The institutions highlighted the mounting pressure faced by journalists in Niger and state that both local and international journalists have experienced threats, verbal harassment online, and physical assaults.
The suspension of broadcasting by Radio France Internationale (RFI) and France 24, which was ordered by the military authorities in early August, is also condemned.
Ousmane Diallo, Sahel researcher at Amnesty International’s regional said in the report released by Amnesty International that,
"Freedom of expression, dissent, and media freedom are vital for the enjoyment of other rights and holding the government accountable. The transitional military authorities should act decisively to end the growing threats, harassment, intimidation, arrests, and violence against Nigerien journalists, media organizations, and critics and take effective measures to respect, protect, promote, and fulfill the rights of everyone in the country."