Niger: pardoned, opponent Hama Amadou leaves prison

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In the company of 1,540 detainees, the Nigerian opponent Hama Amadou benefited from a free remission of sentence by President Issoufou Mahamadou. After going into exile in France, he returned of his own free will to Niger to serve the remainder of his sentence of one year of conviction in the case known as trafficking in Nigerian babies.

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It was as a free man that Hama Amadou left Filingué prison, along with his faithful lieutenants who came to welcome him. On the list of pardons transmitted by the Ministry of Justice and read on the national radio, Hama Amadou is in 1,035th position out of the 1,540 detainees, all released, according to President Mahamadou Issoufou in his last message to the nation, for humanitarian reasons and to unclog remand centers in light of the meteoric advance of the coronavirus pandemic.

The announcement of his release was greeted by many Nigerians who expected it. On social networks, opposition activists and especially those of his party, Moden Fa Lumana, we congratulate ourselves.

Once back home, in Niamey, Hama Amadou, must address, according to the deputy Soumana Sanda, a message of awareness against the coronavirus and ask his militants to stay at home so as not to expose the Nigeriens. He himself will respect the instructions and will confine himself voluntarily, according to the deputy.

At 71, Hama Amadou is stripped of all his civil rights because of his conviction. According to judicial sources, he can no longer lead a political party and can no longer vote or be elected, unless rehabilitated by the President of the Republic.

► Read also: Coronavirus in Niger: the government announces a curfew in Niamey and numerous remission of sentences

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