Niger: Another journalist released from prison; investigation will continue

After spending more than four months in prison, editor Ibrahim Manzo Diallo was released from prison by a court of appeals.

Diallo, the managing editor of the fortnightly Air Info from Agadez, was originally arrested on Oct. 9 for allegedly “conspiring with a movement to undermine national security,” a reference to his alleged relationship with members of the one-year-old rebellion against the country’s government.

From Afriquenligne:

According to Accra-based Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), the court's decision followed a request filed by Diallo's counsel, Moussa Coulibaly, seeking his release, "because the prosecution had failed to provide evidence to warrant his continued stay in prison".

However, the government’s investigation will continue. Diallo’s lawyer, Moussa Coulibaly, told Reporters Without Borders : “The prosecutor will convey the judge’s decision to the prosecutor-general, who will sign the provisional release order. Ibrahim will still be under judicial investigation, but he will be freed some time today.”

Also, the government will issue a ruling Tuesday, February 12 regarding the case of Moussa Kaka, manager of Radio Saraouniya and Niger Correspondent of Radio France Internationale. The appeal court will decide whether transcripts of tapped phone conversations – a legal grey area in Niger – can be used as evidence in the case.