In Niger, six journalists have been charged with cybercrime offenses, three of whom are being held in detention in Kollo. Press freedom organizations denounce an authoritarian drift and the increasing muzzling of the media. The international community is calling for their immediate release.
Freedom of information is under severe strain in Niger. Six journalists were charged on Monday, November 3, with offenses related to cybercrime laws. While three were granted provisional release, three others were remanded in custody at Kollo prison, sparking outrage among press freedom organizations.
Journalists behind bars for "cybercrime"
The case, currently under investigation, has led to the imprisonment of three prominent figures in the Nigerien media landscape: Ibro Chaibou, editor at Radio-Television Saraounia; Youssouf Seriba, publisher of the newspaper Les Échos du Niger; and Oumarou Kané, founder of the periodical Le Hérisson. All three have been remanded in custody at Kollo prison.
The charges include " complicity in disseminating documents likely to disturb public order ." Three other media professionals, including Moussa Kaka, director of RTS and former RFI correspondent, have been granted provisional release.
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