Niger’s new administration has withdrawn the former president’s immunity, which protected him from prosecution. The highest court in the Junta government just issued the verdict, leaving Mohamed Bazoum, the deposed leader at the mercy of a potential trial. They accused the former leader of trying to collaborate with France in an attempt to undermine the new government.
A report by Al Jazeera showed that Niger’s former president, Mohamed Bazoum, had his immunity stripped from him on Friday by the recently empowered top legal authority in the country.
The court which is now the most powerful in the country, was set up by the Junta government in November. The proceedings to remove or keep the former president’s immunity began earlier in the year.
They also made known their intention to someday try the former president for “high treason” and compromising national security.
The deposed president, who was detained in his home together with his family, was charged with calling US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and French President Emmanuel Macron in an attempt to get Western backing during the coup that is that occurred in July 2023.
The legal team representing Bazoum requested two postponements of the court hearings, citing many impediments to their client’s right to a defense. Since last October, they have been unable to get in touch with him.
International rights organization Human Rights Watch has claimed that several major irregularities occurred throughout the hearing, including breaches of Bazoum’s rights to contact his legal representation, to provide evidence in his defense, and to have his case reviewed by an impartial court.
Niger Coup
On 26 July 2023, a coup d’état occurred in the Republic of the Niger when the country’s presidential guard detained President Mohamed Bazoum. Senior officers from various branches of the Defence and Security Forces (FDS) formed a junta named the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Homeland (CNSP).
Shortly after confirming the coup’s success, the presidential guard commander, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, proclaimed himself the leader of a new military junta.
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