UPDATE - Niger: Marou Amadou provisionally released
Дата: 16 Sep 2009
On 15 September 2009, an appeal court in Niger’s capital Niamey ordered the provisional release of Rotab/PWYP Niger member Marou Amadou.
Marou Amadou, also President of the United Front for the Safeguard of Democratic Assets (FUSAD), was arrested on 10 August 2009 for “undermining state authority” following the publication of a declaration by FUSAD criticising President Tandja’s regime.
His arrest was part of a series of wider restrictions on freedom of expression which have seen threats to Nigerien civil society activists.
Amadou had been detained at the Koutoukalé high security prison since 11 August 2009, and his charges were recently revised to “managing an illegal organisation”.
His case led to major national and international outcry, including civil society members of the EITI multi-stakeholder group in Niger unanimously suspending their participation in the national EITI process “until further notice”.
PWYP will continue to monitor developments in Niger and work with Nigerien partners to ensure that their human rights and personal security are safeguarded.
