Written by: Mohamed Ragab
The defense team for former Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum renewed its demand for his and his wife's immediate release, three years after the military coup that overthrew his government in July 2023, stressing that their continued detention violates the basic principles of law and human rights.
Bazoum's lawyers said the former president and his wife are still being held inside one of the wings of the presidential palace in the capital, Niamey, without appearing before any judicial authority, and without being officially informed of any legal proceedings or charges pending before the judiciary.
Allegations of arbitrary detention
The defense team considered the detention of Mohamed Bazoum to be a case of arbitrary detention, noting that the military authorities had previously announced their intention to try him on charges related to treason and conspiracy against state security, but no case has yet been opened publicly or a trial date set.
The lawyers added that Bazoum and his wife have been denied regular contact with the outside world and have not been allowed to receive members of their family for a long time, demanding an end to this situation and ensuring respect for their legal and human rights.
International demands for the release of the former president
The case of Mohamed Bazoum has received widespread international attention, with the United Nations, the European Union, and a number of experts and human rights organizations having previously called for his release, considering that his continued detention without trial is contrary to international standards of justice and the rule of law.
Despite the expiration of the former president's constitutional term this year, he continues to refuse to resign, while his legal team asserts that the military coup prevented him from exercising his presidential duties, and that his detention period cannot be considered part of his term.
The political scene in Niger
Since the military council seized power in July 2023, Niger has witnessed sweeping political changes, including the suspension of the constitution and the adoption of new transitional arrangements, along with a campaign targeting a number of opponents, journalists and civil society activists, according to human rights organizations.
Observers believe that the continued detention of Mohamed Bazoum remains one of the most prominent issues of concern to the international community, in light of repeated calls to respect the rule of law and guarantee the basic rights of detainees, coinciding with the ongoing transitional phase in the country.
