Niger

Lawyers appeal, but Kaka still in prison

Article published on the 2008-06-23 Latest update 2008-06-25 10:38 TU

Moussa Kaka
DR

A Nigerien investigating judge ruled Monday that RFI's Moussa Kaka should be conditionally released, which did not happen, due to a swift appeal by the prosecution. Kaka has been held for the past nine months, suspected of having links to a Tuareg rebel movement.

Kaka, a correspondent for Radio France International and Reporters Without Borders, is accused of complicity against the state of Niger based on wiretaps the prosecutor submitted to the court.

The Support Committee for the Liberation of Moussa Kaka issued a statement on Monday saying that they "hoped that a court of appeals will take a decision in favour of his freedom."

Kaka risks life imprisonment if convicted of complicity.

Amnesty International considers him a political prisoner.