The top court in military-governed Niger has lifted the immunity of the country’s deposed president, Mohamed Bazoum, paving the way for a possible trial nearly a year after he was overthrown by mutinous soldiers.
Abdou Dan Galadima, president of the State Court, the country’s highest legal authority that was created in November by the military government, announced the decision on Friday.
The military authorities had initiated the legal proceedings earlier this year, declaring their intention to eventually prosecute Bazoum for “high treason” and for undermining national security.
Under house arrest with his family, Bazoum is accused of having spoken by telephone with French President Emmanuel Macron and United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken in a bid to secure Western support during the July 2023 coup.
The court proceedings were postponed twice, with Bazoum’s lawyers complaining of several obstacles to the right of a defence. They have been unable to communicate with him since last October.
Human Rights Watch, an international rights group, has alleged the hearing was marred by serious irregularities, including violations of Bazoum’s rights to present evidence in his defence, to communicate with his legal counsel and to be heard before an independent court.
