Authorities in Niger have jailed three journalists on charges of “complicity in publishing a document likely to disturb public order”, in connection with the leak of an invitation to a press conference.
Those detained include Ibro Chaïbou (Saraounia TV), Youssouf Sereba (Échos du Niger), and Oumar Kani (Le Hérisson newspaper).
They have been transferred to Kolo prison, located about 50 kilometers from the capital, Niamey.
Security forces had arrested them last Saturday, along with several other journalists — including Moussa Kaka, director of Saraounia TV, who was released after several hours of questioning.
The case stems from the leak of an invitation issued by the “Solidarity Fund”, a body linked to the military authorities, sent to Saraounia TV. The document was shared on social media and later used by allies of ousted president Mohamed Bazoum to criticize the ruling junta.
Since the July 2023 coup, Niger’s military rulers have intensified pressure on the media, with prison sentences, legal prosecutions, and a sharp increase in violations of press freedoms.
Human rights organizations have sounded the alarm over a worsening climate for journalists, noting Niger’s decline in the global press freedom index.
