(RSF/IFEX) – RSF is expressing concern further to the attack on a journalist in Niamey. According to RSF’s information, during the night of 13 to 14 March 1999, Ali Sékou Maïna, editor of the weekly “La Voix du Citoyen”, was attacked by four men in civilian clothes. The men, who were unknown to him, first […]
(RSF/IFEX) – RSF is expressing concern further to the attack on a
journalist
in Niamey. According to RSF’s information, during the night of 13 to 14
March 1999, Ali Sékou Maïna, editor of the weekly “La Voix du Citoyen”,
was
attacked by four men in civilian clothes. The men, who were unknown to
him,
first asked him to follow them. After he refused, they began to hit him
violently on the head with their belts. The attackers escaped, leaving
the
journalist seriously wounded, after several people arrived at the scene,
alerted by the noise of the attack.
Ali Sékou Maïna was able to identify the assailants as being either
soldiers
or paramilitary members because of certain markings on their clothes.
This
attack follows the publication of an article in the 11 March edition of
“La
Voix du Citoyen” which contended that one of Niger’s opposition leaders
had
become “the regime’s animal to slaughter.”
Recommended Action
Send appeals to the Minister of Justice and Human Rights:
identifying and
punishing those responsible for these acts
journalists in Niger are able to work in a secure environment
Appeals To
Issoufou Abba Moussa
Minister of Justice and Human Rights
Niamey, Niger
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
