Repression against the media continues

(RSF/IFEX) – According to information released by RSF on 14 May 1998, the organisation is concerned about the imprisonment of a journalist and the closure of ten media outlets in Niger. On 8 May 1998, Mamane Abou, editor of the private weekly “Le Republicain” and director of the New Printing House of Niger (NIN), was […]

(RSF/IFEX) – According to information released by RSF on 14 May 1998, the
organisation is concerned about the imprisonment of a journalist and the
closure of ten media outlets in Niger. On 8 May 1998, Mamane Abou, editor of
the private weekly “Le Republicain” and director of the New Printing House
of Niger (NIN), was arrested and placed in detention in the “Prison Civil”
in Niamey. The journalist was officially accused of having taken part in a
15 April 1998 arson attempt on the premises of the NIN. Two NIN guards have
also been imprisoned in connection with this incident (see IFEX alert of 12
May 1998).

Furthermore, on 13 May 1998, ten media outlets were banned, and six of them,
all of which are close to the opposition, had their premises sealed: “Le
Democrate”, “Haske”, “Tribune du Peuple”, “Le Citoyen” and “Alternative”,
and the independent radio station Anfani. These measures followed a
communique from the Minister of Finance, dated 7 May 1998, instructing the
media outlets to pay their tax arrears before 12 May 1998.

Without commenting on the merits of these cases, RSF notes that these
measures are occurring at a time when Niger’s press has, since 15 April
1998, experienced a series of attacks: besides the arson attempt at the NIN,
two journalists have been beaten, four radio stations have been forced to
suppress any declarations from leaders of the opposition, radio Anfani was
closed on 4 May and two journalists were detained for several days for
having covered press protests (see IFEX alert of 11 May 1998).

Recommended Action

General Ibrahim Bare Mainassara

President of the Republic

Niamey – Niger

Fax: +227 72 2245/2472