The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has called today for the release of Abdoulaye Tiémogo, editor of the weekly independent newspaper le Canard déchaîné charged for “contempt of court ”.

“This court decision  does worsen the already tense politically situation”. declared Gabriel Baglo, Director of IFJ Africa Office. “Niger authorities should rather slacken the current atmosphere” he added.

Tiémogo was arresteded on August 5, 2009, following an article published many weeks earlier commenting the decision of the prosecutor Abderamane Gayakoyi who issued an international warrant to arrest the former Prime Minister, accused of corruption.

Tiémogo is charged with “defamation” for having published information denouncing overbillings in 2007, in favour of the Minister for Justice, then president of the National Commission of human rights.

On August 18, Abdoulaye Tiémogo was sentenced to three months imprisonment by the tribunal of Niamey, after being briefly held in police force custody. In spite of the appeal , Tiémogo is currently imprisoned in the civil prison of Niamey the capital.

On August 1, eight editors were interrogated by the police for having published informations on the son of the head of state in connection with mining licence ”.

The IFJ demands the immediate and unconditional release of the journalist and calls on Niger authorities to put an end to the threats and intimidations facing journalists in Niger.

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The IFJ represents over 600,000 journalists in 123 countries worldwide