Niger journalist arrested for ‘collaborating’ with terrorists

monjola sotubo

May 21, 2015 9:44 AM

Tchangari’s arrest was confirmed on Wednesday, May 20, 2015, by Niger’s Interior Minister, Hassoumi Massaoudou.

Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau

Security officials in Niger have arrested a popular journalist, Moussa Tchangari for allegedly collaborating with Boko Haram.

Tchangari’s arrest was confirmed on Wednesday, May 20, 2015, by Niger’s Interior Minister, Hassoumi Massaoudou.

“This man has been collaborating with Boko Haram for some time, and he is actively spreading propaganda and false news in liaison with Boko Haram,” Massaoudou told AFP.

“All his propaganda aims to show… that Niger’s defence and security forces are the criminals… (and) not Boko Haram,” he added.

Massaoudou said further that Niger cannot “tolerate such an active collaboration with terrorists”, or such “systematic spreading of false news.”

Tchangari, who is known for his outspoken criticism of the humanitarian crisis in parts of Niger, was arrested on Monday, May 18 and charged with “criminal links to the terrorist group Boko Haram.”

Human Rights organization, Amnesty International has however condemned his arrest and urged the Nigerien government to release him.

Niger has suffered attacks from Boko Haram which intensified after it joined a multinational force created to combat the sect.

monjola sotubo