The Center for Collaborative Investigative Journalism (CCIJ) and the Norbert Zongo Unit for Investigative Journalism in West Africa (CENOZO), have condemned the recent arrest of a Nigerien journalist and activist, Samira Sabou, for a report on intimidation and threats by the military leaders in the country.
This was contained in a joint statement issued by the organisations.
The media organisations noted that they were deeply troubled by the recurring deprivation of Samira Sabou’s freedom for carrying out her job in the country.
The statement jointly signed by the CCIJ’s Founder and Executive Director, Jeff Kelly Lowenstein and the CENOZO President du Conseil d’Administration, David Dembele, said that it “is not the first time she has faced such circumstances in Niger,” hence, they demanded her immediate release
According to them, on June 10, 2020, Samira Sabou “was arrested and unjustly detained for over a month due to a defamatory comment made by an internet user on one of her Facebook posts regarding the misappropriation of funds from Niger’s Ministry of National Defence.
“Furthermore, between 2021 and 2022, Samira Sabou, along with investigative journalist Moussa Aksar, the former president of CENOZO, faced legal prosecution for sharing a Global Initiative investigation on drug trafficking in Niger through the Facebook social network.
“Following the recent coup d’état that toppled the regime of President Mohamed Bazoum in early August 2023, she reported intimidation and threats from members of the military.
“This arrest warrants the immediate attention and action of the international community, including international organizations and journalism partners. We call upon these esteemed entities to fiercely condemn the arrest of Samira Sabou and join us in demanding her immediate and unconditional release.
“We appeal to the new authorities in Niger to ensure freedom of information, which is a fundamental right of every citizen.
“Both CCIJ and CENOZO firmly uphold the principles of the rule of law and stand in solidarity with national, regional, and international organizations dedicated to safeguarding and defending freedom of expression and press freedom. We join them in demanding the immediate and unconditional release of journalist Samira Sabou.”
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