{"id":342,"date":"2009-08-24T15:54:20","date_gmt":"2009-08-24T20:54:20","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/tomathon.com\/mphp\/?p=342"},"modified":"2010-02-23T18:38:41","modified_gmt":"2010-02-23T23:38:41","slug":"niger-write-a-letter-to-protest-detentions-of-activists","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.tomathon.com\/mphp\/2009\/08\/niger-write-a-letter-to-protest-detentions-of-activists\/","title":{"rendered":"Niger: Write a letter to protest detention of activists"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"liberez_marou_amadou\"<\/a>UPDATE 24 August:<\/strong> Nigerien Civil society activist Marou Amadou remains in arbitrary detention.\u00a0 According to the BBC he has been beaten in custody.\u00a0 Several other opposition activists arrested for protesting the coup remain in custody.\u00a0 Police have attacked peaceful protests, most recently on 22 August in Niamey, at which several opposition leaders were arrested.\u00a0 Also on 22 August Wada Maman, Secretary General of the “Front Uni pour la Sauvegarde des Acquis D\u00e9mocratiques” (FUSAD), Board Member and Secretary General of the “Association Nig\u00e9rienne de Lutte contre la Corruption” (ANLC), was detained by the military while waiting for a Niamey bus.\u00a0 He is being held without charge or representation.<\/p>\n

Please demand the release of these activists.
\nA sample letter, addresses, and statements by Nigerien and international rights groups are below.
\nFurther links to background material follows sample letter and statements.<\/p>\n

==Independent statement=====
\nPLEASE COPY, SIGN, AND EMAIL, PRINT OR FAX TO THE ADDRESSES BELOW. EMAILS ARE EASY BUT PAPER LETTERS AND FAXES MAKE A STRONGER IMPACT.<\/p>\n

cc: missionduniger@gmail.com, webmestre@assemblee.ne, pneniger@gmail.com, ambanigeracanada@rogers.com, embassyofniger@ioip.com, ambassadeniger@hotmail.com
\n——sample letter——–<\/strong><\/p>\n

24 August 2009<\/p>\n

To the honorable representatives of the Republic of Niger,<\/p>\n

We deplore the recent wave of arrests by the government of Niger and the use of force to disperse peaceful protests.\u00a0 We demand the immediate release of all political prisoners, an end to political prosecutions, and a return to the rule of law and respect for human rights.<\/p>\n

Nigerien authorities must respect dissent and their own constitution.\u00a0 The people of Niger have suffered too much since the struggle for democracy in 1991 to allow a handful of the powerful to return their nation to autocracy.<\/p>\n

We support the rights of civil society and opposition groups to protest and assemble, and we support the general strike of the Nigerien labour confederations, the CDTN, CGSL-N, CNT, UGTN, UGSEIN, USPT, and the USTN.<\/p>\n

We condemn the arrest of dissident journalists and the arbitrary closure of opposition press;<\/p>\n

We condemn the arrests and use of force against peaceful protesters in on the day of the 4 August referendum, and in Niamey and elsewhere both before and after 4 August;<\/p>\n

We condemn the use of force against those using peaceful civil disobedience on the day of the 4 August referendum in Illea and elsewhere on 4 August;<\/p>\n

We condemn the arrests of opposition activists between 1 and 5 August, including:
\n*Zakari Oumarou, opposition leader, arrested and arbitrarily detained at Konni;
\n*Amadou Nomao, Deputy of the National Assembly, arrested and arbitrarily detained at Badaguichiri;
\n*Alhousseini Ousmane and Elhadj Idrissa Ma\u00efgoro, opposition members arrested at Tahoua;
\n*Dr. Douma, opposition member arrested at Ayorou;<\/p>\n

We condemn the arrest between 4 and 11 August and arbitrary detention at Koutoukal\u00e9 prison of opposition activist Monsieur Alassane Karfi;<\/p>\n

We condemn the arbitrary detention by the Judiciary Police of President of the Front pour la Restauration de la D\u00e9mocratie (FRD) Hamissou Moumouni;<\/p>\n

We especially condemn the multiple arrests, unlawful detention at Koutoukal\u00e9 prison and beating by FNIS (Ministry of Interior Paramilitary Police) of Marou Amadou, Vice Coordinator\u00a0 of the\u00a0 Collectif pour la D\u00e9fense du Droit \u00e0 l’\u00e9nergie au Niger (CODDAE) and spokesperson of the FDD;<\/p>\n

We condemn the unlawful detention at Koutoukal\u00e9 prison beginning 22 August of\u00a0 Wada Maman, Secretary General of the “Front Uni pour la Sauvegarde des Acquis D\u00e9mocratiques” (FUSAD), Board Member and Secretary General of the “Association Nig\u00e9rienne de Lutte contre la Corruption” (ANLC).<\/p>\n

We condemn the prosecution of Abdoulaye Tiemogo, editor of a private satirical weekly, Le Canard Dechaine and the orchestrated campaign to silence those who question the financial dealings of those close to the President of Niger.<\/p>\n

Rest assured that the people of the world stand by the people of Niger is their demands for democracy, rule of law, judicial Independence, and economic transparency.\u00a0 The truth will come out, and the people of Niger will judge not only the behavior of their government, but those who failed to act in the defense of law.<\/p>\n

With the deepest respect for your great nation,<\/p>\n

Signed (Your Name)<\/p>\n

=======Ends===========<\/strong>
\n
\nAddresses:
\n=====================<\/strong>
\nTO: Ambassador of the Republic of Niger to the United States, S.E.M Toure Aminata Djibrilla Maiga<\/p>\n

Embassy of the Republic of Niger
\n2204 R Street, NW,
\nWashington DC 20008<\/p>\n

Phone: (202) 483-4224
\nFax: (202) 483-3169
\nEmail: embassyofniger@ioip.com, ambassadeniger@hotmail.com
\nWebsite: http:\/\/ambassadeniger@hotmail.com<\/p>\n

—-
\nTO: Ambassador of the Republic of Niger to Canada, S.E.M Nana Aicha FOUMAKOYE<\/p>\n

Embassy of Niger in Ottawa, Canada
\n38 Blackburn Avenue
\nOttawa
\nOntario K1N 8A3<\/p>\n

Phone: (+1) (613) 232-4291 \/ 2
\nFax: (+1) (613) 230-9808<\/p>\n

Email: ambanigeracanada@rogers.com
\nWebsite: http:\/\/www.ambanigeracanada.ca<\/p>\n

—-
\nTO: President of the Republic of Niger, Tandja Mamadou
\nOffice of the President
\nPalais Pr\u00e9sidentiel
\nBP 550
\nNiamey
\nNiger
\nFax: + 227 20 73 34 30<\/p>\n

email: pneniger@gmail.com
\nWebsite: http:\/\/www.presidence.ne\/contacts.php<\/p>\n

Secr\u00e9tariat Directeur de Cabinet
\nTelephone:\u00a0 + 227 20-72-24-72
\nDirecteur de Cabinet Adjoint
\nTelephone:\u00a0 + 227 20-72-36-67<\/p>\n

—-
\nTO: Prime Minister of the Republic of Niger, Seini Oumarou;
\nMonsieur le Premier Ministre, Chef du Gouvernement ;
\nEmail: webmestre@assemblee.ne
\nFax : + 227 20 73 58 59<\/p>\n

TO: M. Garba Lompo, Ministre de la Justice,
\nFax : +227 20 72 37 77<\/p>\n

TO: M. Albade Aboufa, Ministre de l\u2019Int\u00e9rieur,
\nFax: + 227 20 72 21 76<\/p>\n

TO: Mission permanente du Niger aupr\u00e8s de l\u2019Union europ\u00e9enne,
\nFax : + 32 2 648 27 84<\/p>\n

TO: Ambassadeur M. Adani Illo, Mission permanente du Niger aupr\u00e8s des Nations unies \u00e0 Gen\u00e8ve,
\nAvenue du Lignon 36 (2\u00e8me \u00e9tage), 1219 Le Lignon, Suisse.
\nFax: +41 22 979 24 51.
\nEmail: missionduniger@gmail.com<\/p>\n


\n====END ADDRESSES=====<\/strong><\/p>\n

=======Transparency International Statement========
\nAnti-corruption leader arrested in Niger as civil society faces increased intimidation
\nBerlin, 24 August 2009<\/p>\n

Transparency International (TI) is seriously concerned about the arrest in Niger, of Wada Maman, Board Member and Secretary General of TI chapter, the Association Nig\u00e9rienne de Lutte contre la Corruption (ANLC)
\n*http:\/\/www.transparency.org\/news_room\/latest_news\/press_releases\/2009\/2009_08_24_niger_intimidation<\/p>\n

=======Ends===========<\/p>\n

=======Publish What You Pay statement===============<\/p>\n

Action Alert: PWYP calls on the Nigerien government to end all forms of harassment against civil society leader Marou Amadou
\nSource: PWYP International – Action Alert
\nDate: 13 Aug 2009<\/p>\n

http:\/\/www.publishwhatyoupay.org\/en\/resources\/action-alert-pwyp-calls-nigerien-government-end-all-forms-harassment-against-civil-society<\/p>\n

PWYP strongly condemns the transfer into police custody of Marou Amadou, president of the United Front for the Safeguard of Democratic Assets (FUSAD), coordinator of the Advisory and Orientation Committee for the Defence of Democratic Rights (CROISADE), and member of the R\u00e9seau des Organisations pour la Transparence et l\u2019Analyse Budgetaire (ROTAB) \u2013 Publish What You Pay (PWYP) Niger.<\/p>\n

According to ROTAB\/PWYP Niger, Marou Amadou was discharged on Tuesday, 12 August 2009 after appearing before the Court of First Instance in Niamey, where he had been summoned for \u201cinciting disobedience of defense and security forces\u201d and \u201cregionalist propaganda\u201d, following his arrest on 10 August 2009 by the Nigerien Judicial Police.<\/p>\n

PWYP condemns Marou Amadou\u2019s forced transfer into police custody just hours after a court had ordered his release.<\/p>\n

PWYP therefore demands that the discharge decision be respected and calls for the immediate release of Marou Amadou.<\/p>\n

PWYP urges the Nigerien authorities to guarantee Marou Amadou\u2019s physical and moral integrity.<\/p>\n

PWYP calls on President Mamadou Tandja to ensure an end to all forms of harassment and intimidation against Marou Amadou and civil society activists in Niger, and to guarantee freedom of speech and of the press in accordance with the international human rights standards Niger has committed itself to.<\/p>\n

Actions Required:<\/p>\n

PWYP asks that you write to the Nigerien authorities, Nigerien diplomatic representatives and to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in your respective countries to draw their attention to your concerns and forward them this statement<\/p>\n

=======Ends===========<\/p>\n

=======Frontline Defenders Statement=======
\nNiger: Detention of human rights defender Mr Marou Amadou
\n2009\/08\/17
\n(Sample letter included)
\nhttp:\/\/www.frontlinedefenders.org\/node\/2128\/action<\/p>\n

=======OMCT Statement=======
\n*Organisation Mondiale Contre la Torture
\nRelaxe et disparition forc\u00e9e de M. Marou Amadou Niger 11 ao\u00fbt 2009
\nhttp:\/\/omct.org\/index.php?id=OBS&lang=fr&actualPageNumber=1&articleSet=Appeal&articleId=8737<\/p>\n

====Ends=====<\/p>\n

Further links:<\/p>\n

*News Reports on the arrest of Marou Amadou
\n**http:\/\/www.google.com\/hostednews\/afp\/article\/ALeqM5isewxWl32nJBbl2UP0n3QYpCKSYA
\n**http:\/\/www.voanews.com\/english\/Africa\/2009-08-10-voa36.cfm
\n** BBC NEWS | Africa | Niger opposition figure ‘beaten’ http:\/\/news.bbc.co.uk\/2\/hi\/africa\/8197439.stm<\/p>\n

* Transparency International Statement (22 August)
\nhttp:\/\/appablog.wordpress.com\/2009\/08\/24\/anti-corruption-leader-arrested-in-niger-as-civil-society-faces-increased-intimidation\/<\/p>\n

* Collectif pour la D\u00e9fense du Droit \u00e0 l’\u00e9nergie au Niger (CODDAE) statement\u00a0\u00a0 (Francais)
\nhttp:\/\/coddae.org\/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=92:declaration-de-presse-relative-a-larrestation-du-camarade-marou-amadou-pour-atteinte-a-la-surete-de-letat&catid=1:actualite&Itemid=50<\/p>\n

*\u00a0 Opposition decalration 11 August http:\/\/pnds-tarayya.net\/news\/news.php?id=41
\nD\u00c9CLARATION DU 11 AO\u00dbT 2009 La Coordination des Forces pour la D\u00e9mocratie et la R\u00e9publique (CFDR)\u00a0 (Francais)<\/p>\n

*\u00a0 Opposition decalaration on 4 August arrests
\nhttp:\/\/pnds-tarayya.net\/news\/news.php?id=38\u00a0 (Francais)<\/p>\n

*NIGER-En r\u00e9action \u00e0 l\u2019arrestation du pr\u00e9sident du Fusad, Amnesty international exige la lib\u00e9ration de Amadou Arou
\nle Quotidien (Senegal) 19 August.
\nhttp:\/\/issikta.blogspot.com\/2009\/08\/niger-en-reaction-larrestation-du.html<\/p>\n

* Areva\/Niger: organisation exposing links between the French Uranium consortia and the government of Niger\u00a0 (Francais) http:\/\/areva.niger.free.fr\/<\/p>\n

*Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders Annual Report 2009 – Niger
\nhttp:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/refworld\/docid\/4a5f300dc.html<\/p>\n

*Nigerien Labor Confederations joint 72 hour strike, 23 August
\nhttp:\/\/www.tamtaminfo.com\/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2073:preavis-de-greve-generale-de-72-heures-&catid=44:politique&Itemid=61<\/p>\n

*Nigerien news articles\u00a0 (Francais)
\n*http:\/\/www.tamtaminfo.com\/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2072:affaire-marou-amadou-le-proces-des-collectifs-associatifs&catid=44:politique&Itemid=61
\n*http:\/\/www.tamtaminfo.com\/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1976:vague-darrestation-dans-les-rangs-des-opposants&catid=44:politique&Itemid=61
\n*http:\/\/www.tamtaminfo.com\/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2005:-communique-de-presse&catid=44:politique&Itemid=61
\n*http:\/\/www.tamtaminfo.com\/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2007:proces-marou-amadou-et-abdoulaye-tiemogo-des-militants-de-la-cfdr-copieusement-tabasses&catid=44:politique&Itemid=61<\/p>\n

*Niger: Les manifestants de l’opposition dispers\u00e9s par les forces de l’ordre, 22 August.\u00a0 (Francais)
\nhttp:\/\/fr.allafrica.com\/stories\/200908240223.html<\/p>\n

*Niger: La matraque du colonel, 23 August. (Francais)
\nhttp:\/\/fr.allafrica.com\/stories\/200908240166.html<\/p>\n

*Updates in English:
\nhttp:\/\/www.tomathon.com\/mphm\/<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Please demand the release of these activists.
\nA sample letter, addresses, and statements by Nigerien and international rights groups are below.
\nFurther links to background material follows sample letter and statements.<\/p>\n

Read more →<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_is_tweetstorm":false,"jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true},"categories":[75,13,106,26,12,66,16],"tags":[565,569],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[],"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p1mYFK-5w","_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.tomathon.com\/mphp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/342"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.tomathon.com\/mphp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.tomathon.com\/mphp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.tomathon.com\/mphp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.tomathon.com\/mphp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=342"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"http:\/\/www.tomathon.com\/mphp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/342\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":736,"href":"http:\/\/www.tomathon.com\/mphp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/342\/revisions\/736"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.tomathon.com\/mphp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=342"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.tomathon.com\/mphp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=342"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.tomathon.com\/mphp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=342"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}