• Urgent Action

Urgent Action Victory! Journalist Given Suspended Sentence (Niger: UA 32.20)

March 31, 2020

On 26 March, journalist Mamane Kaka Touda was released after being detained for three weeks in Niamey Prison, Niger, for publishing a post on social media regarding a suspected case of COVID-19 infection in Niamey Reference Hospital. He was given a three-month suspended sentence and was ordered to pay one franc as symbolic compensation. His lawyer has appealed the sentence.

NO FURTHER ACTION IS REQUESTED. MANY THANKS TO ALL WHO SENT APPEALS. On 26 March, journalist Mamane Kaka Touda was given a three-month suspended sentence and released after spending three weeks in detention in Niamey Prison. Mamane Kaka Touda was arrested on 5 March after he published a post on social media regarding a suspected case of COVID-19 infection in Niamey Reference Hospital. He was charged with “disseminating data tending to disturb public order”. While in detention, he was denied access to visits and required medical attention. After his release on 26 March, Mamane Kaka Touda sent this message to Amnesty International: “I want to thank and encourage those who were mobilized for my release. Arbitrary arrests and detentions will not stop us doing our work and keep fighting. I am grateful, thank you!” Amnesty International continues to monitor Mamane Kaka Touda’s situation and will respond to any developments as appropriate. No further action is requested from the Urgent Action network. Many thanks to all who sent appeals. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES