Niger releases detained journalists
JournalismPakistan.com | Published: 31 January 2014
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Niger has released two journalists and an activist detained over allegations against President Mahamadou Issoufou. The case against one journalist remains active.Summary
NIAMEY, Niger: Niger has freed two journalists and an activist who were detained this week as part of a recent spate of arrests condemned by international press freedom groups.
Zakari Amadou, a talk show host, and Ousmane Dan Badji, editor of the newspaper L'Union, confirmed their release on Thursday. However, Badji said he has been told the case against him remains active.
Officials have said that during a televised debate on Jan. 14 the Nigerian journalists allegedly accused President Mahamadou Issoufou of corruption. They appeared alongside activist Nayoussa Djimraou who also was detained.
Last week, two other Nigerian journalists were detained based on similar accusations but released Monday.
Reporters Without Boarders and the Committee to Protect Journalists had both issued statements calling for the journalists to be freed. - AP
KEY POINTS:
- Niger freed journalists Zakari Amadou and Ousmane Dan Badji.
- The activists were detained amid accusations of corruption against the president.
- International press freedom groups condemned the arrests.
- Similar detentions occurred just a week prior.
- Officials stated the case against Badji is still ongoing.
