On 5 May 1996, Ibrahim Hamidou, managing director of the independent weekly “Tribune du peuple”, was arrested by police and taken to headquarters, where he has reportedly been in detention ever since. Apparently, Hamidou’s arrest followed the publication in the 3 May edition of the “Tribune du peuple” of incriminating documents relating to Colonel Ibrahim […]
On 5 May 1996, Ibrahim Hamidou, managing director of the
independent weekly “Tribune du peuple”, was arrested by police
and taken to headquarters, where he has reportedly been in
detention ever since. Apparently, Hamidou’s arrest followed the
publication in the 3 May edition of the “Tribune du peuple” of
incriminating documents relating to Colonel Ibrahim Barre
Mainasssara. Previously, on 10 February, soldiers sought out
Hamidou, ostensibly to arrest him (see IFEX alert dated 15
February 1996).
Meanwhile, on 3 May–World Press Freedom Day–police confiscated
copies of the “Tribune du peuple” at the printing press. This
seizure was first of its kind since the creation, in 1990, of the
first independent newspaper in Niger.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to authorities:
calling for his immediate and unconditional release
Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, of which Article 19 gives
explicit recognition to the right of freedom of expression, and
that the detention of Hamidou and the seizure of “Tribune du
peuple” are flagrant violations of that right
Appeals To
Colonel Ibrahim Barre Mainassara
President of the National Salvation Council
Niamey, Niger
Fax: +227 72 2245/+227 72 2472
or via the Ministry of Communications: +227 72 2336
Please copy appeals to the originator if possible.
