Niger lifts immunity of deposed President Mohamed Bazoum Niger's highest court has lifted the immunity of Mohamed Bazoum, the country's democratically elected president who was overthrown nearly a year ago by mutinous soldiers. This move allows the military junta to prosecute him for alleged high treason, according to his lawyer.
Since last summer's coup, Bazoum and his family have been under house arrest. The junta plans to prosecute him for "high treason" and undermining national security, initiating legal proceedings earlier this year to lift his immunity in a newly established State Court, now the highest judicial authority in Niger.
Before his ouster, Niger was a key security partner for the West in the Sahel region. However, the junta has expelled Western troops and sought Russian assistance. U.S. forces are set to leave by mid-September.
Human Rights Watch reports serious irregularities in the proceedings, including violations of Bazoum’s rights. His lawyer, Reed Brody, condemned the ruling as a "mockery" of justice. Bazoum’s lawyers have been unable to communicate with him since October, and the ECOWAS court has deemed his detention arbitrary, calling for his reinstatement.
IZIZI AFRICA
Niger lifts immunity of deposed President Mohamed Bazoum
Niger's highest court has lifted the immunity of Mohamed Bazoum, the country's democratically elected president who was overthrown nearly a year ago by mutinous soldiers. This move allows the military junta to prosecute him for alleged high treason, according to his lawyer.
Since last summer's coup, Bazoum and his family have been under house arrest. The junta plans to prosecute him for "high treason" and undermining national security, initiating legal proceedings earlier this year to lift his immunity in a newly established State Court, now the highest judicial authority in Niger.
Before his ouster, Niger was a key security partner for the West in the Sahel region. However, the junta has expelled Western troops and sought Russian assistance. U.S. forces are set to leave by mid-September.
Human Rights Watch reports serious irregularities in the proceedings, including violations of Bazoum’s rights. His lawyer, Reed Brody, condemned the ruling as a "mockery" of justice. Bazoum’s lawyers have been unable to communicate with him since October, and the ECOWAS court has deemed his detention arbitrary, calling for his reinstatement.
10 months ago | [YT] | 22