Niger releases detained journalists

JournalismPakistan.com | Published 11 years ago

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

Dive Deeper

Matiullah Jan calls out journalist unions over cozy ties with authorities

December 20, 2025: Senior journalist Matiullah Jan criticizes journalist union leadership at an Islamabad conference, calling for reform, youth inclusion, and a stronger collective response to Pakistan’s media crisis.

Tarar says Rs86 crore worth of government ads given to Dawn Media Group

December 20, 2025: Information Minister Attaullah Tarar says the government allocated 86 crore in ads to Dawn Media Group, stressing transparency and that media groups manage employee payments.

Islamabad court grants post-arrest bail to journalist Sohrab Barkat

December 19, 2025: Islamabad court approves post-arrest bail for journalist Sohrab Barkat in a case linked to controversial videos and tweets filed by the National Cyber Crime Agency.

JournalismPakistan cofounder Stephen Webb releases Dusk memoir

December 19, 2025: JournalismPakistan cofounder Stephen Webb releases Dusk, a poetic memoir blending memory and myth, reflecting on Punjab villages, faith, and belonging shaped by decades in journalism.

Pakistan minister flags AI impact on advertising jobs

December 18, 2025: Pakistan’s information minister warns AI is disrupting advertising jobs and invites proposals to protect creative professionals, signaling an early policy debate on AI and employment.

PTI announces boycott of select TV anchors and talk shows

December 18, 2025: Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf announces a boycott of several prominent TV anchors and talk shows, directing party leaders and spokespersons to avoid appearing on the listed programs.

Pakistan to launch BEEP secure messaging app for officials

December 17, 2025: Pakistan plans to launch the BEEP secure messaging app for government officials by June 2026, modeled on WeChat, with end-to-end encryption and oversight by NITB.

GTV News confers vice president title on Gharidah Farooqi

December 17, 2025: GTV News announces the ceremonial appointment of senior anchor Gharidah Farooqi as Vice President, citing her professionalism, credibility, and contributions to Pakistani television journalism.

Newsroom

When journalists move from the newsroom to the boardroom

December 20, 2025 A reflective analysis on how journalists moving from the newsroom to the boardroom face cultural, emotional, and ethical shifts while balancing management duties and journalistic values.

Bangkok leads global pact against online scams with tech partners

December 20, 2025 Thailand hosts a global initiative in Bangkok to combat online scams, bringing together governments and tech platforms, including Meta and TikTok, to enhance cross-border cooperation and public protection efforts.

UK editors warn against plan to cut Downing Street briefings

December 20, 2025 UK editors warn that plans to reduce daily Downing Street briefings could weaken press scrutiny and democratic accountability, raising concerns over access and transparency.

Bangladesh unrest escalates as Dhaka newsrooms remain shut

December 19, 2025 Bangladesh protests continued Friday after attacks on major Dhaka newsrooms, forcing media shutdowns and evacuations, raising press freedom concerns ahead of the 2026 elections.

Israeli journalists rally against proposed media restrictions

December 19, 2025 Israeli journalists convene in Tel Aviv to oppose proposed government measures they warn could undermine press freedom, media independence, and the operating environment for newsrooms.