Niger junta says it will prosecute deposed president for 'high treason'

Source: The Guardian

Niger junta says it will prosecute deposed president for ‘high treason’

Mohamed Bazoum – ousted by military last month – could face death penalty if found guilty

Peter Beaumont
@petersbeaumont1
Mon 14 Aug 2023 12.30 BST
First published on Mon 14 Aug 2023 07.55 BST

Niger junta says it will prosecute deposed president for ‘high treason’
Mohamed Bazoum – ousted by military last month – could face death penalty if found guilty

Peter Beaumont
@petersbeaumont1
Mon 14 Aug 2023 12.30 BST
First published on Mon 14 Aug 2023 07.55 BST

Niger’s military junta has said it will prosecute the deposed president, Mohamed Bazoum, for “high treason” and undermining state security, as concerns were raised about the detention conditions and health of Bazoum and his family.

The statement on Bazoum’s prosecution came hours after the junta indicated to religious mediators that they were open to a diplomatic resolution to the crisis that followed July’s coup. Bazoum could face the death penalty if convicted.

A spokesperson said on state television that the regime had gathered evidence to prosecute the ousted president and his accomplices, apparently referring to messages that Bazoum has communicated with foreign countries during his house arrest.

The junta’s announcement said high-ranking west African politicians and “their international mentors” had made false allegations and attempted to derail a peaceful solution to the crisis in order to justify a military intervention.

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Read more: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/aug/14/niger-coup-leaders-say-deposed-president-mohamed-bazoum-could-face-treason-charges

Non-walled link: https://archive.li/bWTaA