Niger

Nigerien authorities have criminalised journalism through an amendment to the cybercrime law, reversing the previous government’s 2022 decision to replace prison sentences with fines.

Nigerien authorities are disregarding press laws and arbitrarily arresting journalists instead.

Niger’s press law has been completely sidelined with journalist Soumana Idrissa Maïga facing the threat of a lengthy prison sentence if convicted.

A month ago, media umbrella organisation, Maison de la Presse was prevented from holding its general assembly to elect a new board of directors and now it has been suspended.

The family of freelance journalist and blogger Samira Sabou have not heard from her since she was abducted from her home at the end of September.

Niger’s new military government urged to take steps to protect the media and Niger’s civic space.

Nigerien journalists Samira Sabou and Moussa Aksar are handed suspended sentences for publishing an international report implicating the government’s involvement in drug trafficking.

Granting of bail for three civil society activists arrested in the aftermath of deadly protests in Niger is reversed following appeal by the public prosecutor.

Niger’s recently passed interception of communications law is meant to contain security threats, but instead the surveillance implications pose a threat to free speech and online privacy.

Editor Ali Soumana is the second investigative journalist charged with publishing false information in Niger for his article relating to a military procurement scandal.

Niger journalist Kaka Touda Mamane Goni arrested for posing a threat to public order for social media posts relating to a suspected COVID-19 case at the General Reference Hospital in Niamey.

Several private radio and television stations in Niger have been closed down by the authorities for non-payment of taxes despite the protests by the broadcasting stations earlier this year.

RSF regards Baba Alpha’s expulsion to neighbouring Mali after serving a one-year jail sentence as “a second sentence.”

It has been six months since Baba Alpha, senior journalist with Bonferey TV in Niger, was arrested and detained before being later sentenced to two years in prison and temporarily stripped of his citizenship.