Niger’s top court lifts immunity of deposed former President Mohamed Bazoum

By James Tasamba

KIGALI, Rwanda (AA) - Niger’s State Court lifted the immunity Friday of former President Mohamed Bazoum, nearly one year after he was deposed.

The move paves the way for Bazoum’s prosecution for alleged high treason.

“The Court has ordered the lifting of the immunity of Mr. Mohamed Bazoum,” Abdou Dan Galadima, president of the top court told reporters in the capital of Niamey.

Bazoum's lead lawyer, Moussa Coulibaly, criticized the decision and said it amounted to a blatant denial of independent justice in Niger.

“Our arguments were completely ignored. We did not even have the opportunity to meet our client, and the Court rejected our legitimate requests,” said Coulibaly.

The Amnesty International West and Central Africa regional office also denounced the decision as a violation of procedure and rights of defense.

Bazoum never had access to his lawyers throughout the proceedings, said the rights group.

The legal process to lift Bazoum’s immunity was initiated earlier this year by the military administration in the newly created court.

Following his overthrow by soldiers last July, Bazoum was accused by the junta of high treason, conspiracy against state security and glorification of terrorism.

Bazoum remains under house arrest with his wife in the presidential palace in Niamey.

Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani, former commander of the presidential guard, declared himself the head of a transitional government ever since the military overthrew Bazoum.

Tchiani announced a three-year transition and urged national inclusive dialogue.