Human rights in Niger 'in free fall' a year after coup, rights groups say
Military authorities in Niger have committed numerous human rights violations a year after seizing power in a coup, according to a report published Thursday by three international NGOs.
"The military authorities in Niger have cracked down on the opposition, media, and peaceful dissent since taking power in a coup one year ago," Human Rights Watch (HRW), Amnesty International and the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) said in their joint report.
The groups called on the ruling authorities to "immediately release all those held on politically motivated charges; guarantee respect for fundamental freedoms, particularly the rights to freedom of expression, opinion, and association".
The military, led by General Abdourahamane Tiani, seized power on 26 July last year, after deposing elected president Mohamed Bazoum over allegations of failing to protect the West African nation from jihadist attacks.
Bazoum, who remains under strict detention with his wife Hadiza in the capital Niamey, should also be released, said Samira Daoud, Amnesty's regional director for West and Central Africa.
On Friday, the military regime marks its first year in power holding festivities over several days.
Niger's military coup widely condemned following overthrow of President Bazoum
Arrests and restrictions
(with AFP)
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