Niger

(CPJ/IFEX) – On 7 May 1998, Moussa Tchangari, publisher of an opposition weekly, “The Republican”, was released without charge. That same day, Mamane Abou, owner of Niger’s biggest printing company and editor of the “Republican” was picked up by the police on suspicion of arson and insurance fraud. On 15 April 1998, sixteen military officers […]

(RSF/IFEX) – In a 6 May 1998 press release, RSF expressed its “great concern” over the fate of Niger’s media, which have been victims of multiple attacks recently. Since 15 April, two journalists have been arrested for mentioning the activities of the opposition; two others were hospitalized after being attacked; four radio stations have been […]

(CPJ/IFEX) – On 4 May 1998, Moussa Tchangari, publishing director of the independent weekly “Alternative”, was arrested by presidential guards shortly after reading a statement on Radio Anfani condemning the regime’s actions to intimidate and censor the press. The statement was a joint petition issued by officials of the private media and correspondents of the […]

(CPJ/IFEX) – On 4 May 1998, Keita Suleiman, a British Broadcasting Service (BBC) correspondent based in Zinder was arrested by police. No reason was given for his detention. Suleiman is currently being interrogated by police who have refused any requests for information about the arrest. CPJ has learned that Souleiman was arrested in connection with […]

(CPJ/IFEX) – On 18 April 1998, Saadou Assane, a journalist with the daily “Le Republicaine”, was covering opposition demonstrations in Maradi (a town located 550 kilometers east of Niamey) when he was violently attacked by police and had his equipment confiscated. The demonstrators were calling for President Ibrahim Bare Mainassara’s resignation and protesting a concurrent […]

(RSF/IFEX) – On 7 October 1997, Moussa Tchangari, director of publication for the independent weekly “Alternative”, was convicted of “publishing an administrative document intended for internal use” and sentenced to three months in prison. He was also fined CFA 50,000 (about US$ 100). Tchangari was arrested at his office in Niamey on 3 October 1997 […]

**New cases, plus further details to IFEX alert dated 15 July 1996** RSF is concerned at the situation facing journalists following 7 and 8 July 1996 presidential elections in which General Ibrahim Barre Mainassara claimed an outright victory. On 7 July, police occupied and closed Radio Anfani (see IFEX alert) and detained editorial staff member […]

On 6 July 1996, soldiers evacuated and occupied the offices of ANFANI FM 100 MHZ, a privately-owned radio station in Niamey. As of 11 July, the station had not broadcast since the beginning of the occupation. According to Gremah Boucar, director of the private media group, AGENCE ANFANI, which owns ANFANI FM 100 MHZ and […]

On 5 May 1996, Ibrahim Hamidou, managing director of the independent weekly “Tribune du peuple”, was arrested by police and taken to headquarters, where he has reportedly been in detention ever since. Apparently, Hamidou’s arrest followed the publication in the 3 May edition of the “Tribune du peuple” of incriminating documents relating to Colonel Ibrahim […]