Niger: Hearing on the lifting of Mohamed Bazoum’s presidential immunity postponed until 7 June
The hearing scheduled for Friday, May 10, 2024, regarding the lifting of the presidential immunity of Mohamed Bazoum has been postponed until June 7. The decision was made by the Niger State Court, following a request from the ousted president’s lawyers, who stated that they needed more time to study the case, even though they still don’t have access to their client.
In Niger, the Niger State Court announced that it has rescheduled the decision it was supposed to make this Friday regarding the lifting of Mohamed Bazoum’s immunity to June 7.
Former Nigerien president Mohamed Bazoum, along with his wife, remains detained in their residence.
He is accused by the military junta that overthrew him in July 2023 of «high treason», «endangering the security» of the country, and promoting terrorism.
The hearing to determine his fate has been ongoing for three months. On April 5, 2024, the court decided to rule on lifting the presidential immunity granted to the former head of state.
In late April, his legal team requested the court to postpone the hearing, citing that their client had not been «properly notified» of the ongoing proceedings and had not been able to “freely communicate” with them.
Expecting a verdict from the Court on May 10, the case has been postponed once again.
According to Oumarou Sanda, the president of the Nigerien Bar Association, rescheduling the case to June 7 will allow for “a fair trial with a proper debate” so that “the right to defense can be fully ensured.”
