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.
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