By our reporter
Niger’s former President Mohamed Bazoum, who was ousted in a military coup in July 2023, may face the death penalty after being stripped of his immunity from prosecution, his lawyer has warned.
The 64 year old has been held in detention for a year, along with his wife and at least 30 other officials and journalists.
Bazoum, a high-ranking member of the Nigerien government, was elected president in 2021 after serving as the presidential candidate for the PNDS party.
During his campaign, he focused on issues such as resolving demographic problems, increasing literacy and gender equality, and targeting the ISIS insurgency in Niger.
However, his presidency was short-lived, as he was deposed in a military coup led by General Abdourahamane Tchiani on July 26, 2023.
The coup was condemned by the African Union and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which demanded Bazoum’s immediate release.
The country’s top court removed Bazoum’s immunity last month, paving the way for him to be tried for treason and other alleged offenses.
Treason is punishable by death in Niger.
Lawyer Moussa Coulibaly expressed concerns that Bazoum will be judged by a special court that lacks independence and impartiality.
He also criticized the junta’s crackdown on independent media and peaceful dissent.
The international community has called for Bazoum’s release, but junta leader Gen Abdourahamane Tiani has refused, saying Niger will not be dictated to by foreign powers.
The US has announced plans to withdraw its troops from Niger in August, amid tensions with the new administration.
Source: Bainocularug
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