Responding to the acquittal of Samira Sabou, Fatou Jagne Senghore, Regional Director of ARTICLE19 in West Africa said:
“It is a great day for the right to information and the independence of the judiciary in Niger. The acquittal of Samira Sabou is a strong signal to the authorities that they must allow the press to do their work and respect freedom of expression.
Niger decriminalised defamation and press offenses ten years ago, but journalists critical of the authorities continue to be at risk of arrest and intimidation.
It is time the authorities acknowledge that journalists are free to report on all issues of public interest, even if they are critical. The authorities should publicly commit to stop using the law against journalists and bloggers. Moreover, the authorities should drop any charges against any activist currently accused for their opinions.”