(WiPC/IFEX) – On 19 October 2001, the publication director of the weekly “Le Canard Liberé”, Abdoulaye Tiémogo, was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment and ordered to pay fines and damages totalling 5.1 million CFA francs (approx. US$7,100) for “defamation.” The judgment was handed down by the Tribunal de première instance in Niamey. The court case […]
(WiPC/IFEX) – On 19 October 2001, the publication director of the weekly “Le Canard Liberé”, Abdoulaye Tiémogo, was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment and ordered to pay fines and damages totalling 5.1 million CFA francs (approx. US$7,100) for “defamation.” The judgment was handed down by the Tribunal de première instance in Niamey.
The court case stems from an article in “Le Canard Liberé” in which it was alleged that Minister of Agriculture Wassalké Boukari, had embezzled 200 million CFA francs (approx. US$278,000) from a gold-mining area in the west of the country. The story was subsequently picked up by other newspapers. Boukari brought charges against Tiémogo and was awarded 5 million CFA francs in damages.
The publication director, who was taken directly to prison to start his sentence, may lodge an appeal against the ruling.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to authorities:
– recalling that convictions for defamation and libel should not result in custodial sentences, and that such cases should be dealt with in civil rather than criminal courts
– calling for Tiémogo’s immediate release or, failing that, that he be released on appeal
Appeals To
The Right Honourable Ali Sirsi
Justice Minister
Niamey, Niger
c/o Ambassador of Niger at UNESCO
Email: dl.niger@unesco.orgPlease also send a copy to the representative of Niger in your country.
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
