Niger: The Attorneys For Former President Mohamed Bazoum Request That The State Court

In roughly 10 days, the State Court is supposed to make a decision regarding Mohamed Bazoum’s removal from office President and his right to a trial, specifically for “high treason.”

The legal team for Mohamed Bazoum is pleading with the State Court to reopen the case so that the president’s attorneys can review the case file, speak with their client, and get ready for his defense. Mohamed Bazoum and his spouse have been held captive at the presidential mansion in Niamey ever since the military takeover.

The attorneys include several national and international agreements that Niger has ratified in their brief, stating that they “mandate strict respect for the rights of the defense.” In terms of legal interpretation, they also contest the classification of “former president,” which may make it possible to revoke his immunity:

Mohamed Bazoum’s defense team is urging the State Court to reopen the argument to provide the president’s attorneys with access to the case file so they can work with their client and craft a defense. Mohamed Bazoum has been held, together with his spouse, at the presidential house in Niamey since the military takeover.

The attorneys reference several national and international agreements that Niger has ratified that “mandate strict respect for the rights of the defense” in their document. Since he hasn’t finished serving out his term, resigned, or passed away, they also cast doubt on the legality of the label of “former president,” which may allow his protection to be lifted.