A prominent civil society leader and vocal critic of Niger’s military junta, Moussa Tchangari, has been sentenced to prison.
Tchangari, who openly supported ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, was arrested in December at his home in Niamey by unidentified gunmen.
He has been a vocal opponent of the July 2023 coup, describing it as a “setback” for the country.
The court convicted Tchangari on charges of “glorifying terrorism, undermining national security” and involvement in a “criminal conspiracy in connection with terrorism.”
He was subsequently incarcerated at Filingue prison, known for holding political dissidents.
Tchangari’s arrest is seen as part of a broader crackdown on dissent by the junta, which has also targeted political opponents and media outlets.
This incident highlights the deteriorating human rights situation in Niger since the military takeover.
