In Niger, the son of former president Mohamed Bazoum, who was ousted in a coup, was released on Monday afternoon, January 8, after more than five months in detention. Salem Bazoum, 22, had been detained with his father since the July 2023 coup. He is accused of “conspiracy to undermine the authority or security of the state.”
Published on: 09/01/2024 – 00:12
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Salem Bazoum has been able to move freely since 6 p.m. local time. He benefited from the temporary release of the investigating judge of the Niamey military court. According to the Nigerian Minister of Justice, he immediately flew to Togo, accompanied by the Togolese Foreign Minister, and arrived in Niamey in the afternoon.
The son of the former head of state has been held prisoner in the presidential palace along with his parents. The latter remain imprisoned under the supervision of their former presidential guard. Three months ago, Salem Bazoum's lawyers called for his release on the grounds that his rights were being violated. The Niamey High Court had also ordered his immediate release, but the ruling junta appealed. She had kept him in custody.
Meanwhile, the junta began regional consultations on January 1 – the start of a national dialogue – in particular to determine the exact duration of the transition.
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