An Ivorian-Nigerien journalist, Serge Mathurin Adou, has been sentenced to two years in prison by the High Court of Niamey. The verdict comes after he spent a full year in pre-trial detention.
Mathurin, who has built a reputation as a bold and outspoken journalist, appeared before the court earlier this week to face charges that have not been publicly detailed by authorities. His case has attracted attention from media rights advocates across the region.
Press freedom groups have long raised concerns about shrinking civic space in Niger, especially following last year’s political upheaval. They argue that Mathurin’s prolonged detention and sentencing reflect a wider pattern of pressure on independent journalists.
The ruling is expected to spark renewed debate over media freedoms in the country, as regional organizations assess the implications for journalists working in the Sahel.
