(WiPC/IFEX) – The WiPC of International PEN is deeply concerned by the decision to uphold the eight-month prison sentence against Abdoulaye Tiémogo, managing editor of the “Canard Déchaîné” newspaper. The decision was made by the Niamey Appeal Court on 11 November 2002. Tiémogo had been convicted on 28 June for the offence of “insult and […]
(WiPC/IFEX) – The WiPC of International PEN is deeply concerned by the decision to uphold the eight-month prison sentence against Abdoulaye Tiémogo, managing editor of the “Canard Déchaîné” newspaper. The decision was made by the Niamey Appeal Court on 11 November 2002.
Tiémogo had been convicted on 28 June for the offence of “insult and libel” against Prime Minister Hama Amadou. He was fined an initial CFA 50,000 francs (approx. US$75) and was ordered to pay an additional CFA 1,000,000 francs (approx. US$1,495) in damages to the prime minister. Tiémogo had appealed against the jail term and fines because he had no legal representation at the initial trial.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to authorities:
– noting that custodial sentences for libel offences are wholly inappropriate
– calling on them to release Tiémogo and to drop all criminal charges against him
Appeals To
Hama Amadou
Prime Minister
Leader de la Majorité
République de Niger
Fax: +227 73 58 59
Maty Elhadji Moussa
Justice Minister
Garde des Sceaux
République de Niger
Fax: +227 72 37 77
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
