demands for immediate release of detained civil rights defender
Prominent human rights advocate Moussa Tiangari has been arbitrarily held in Niger’s Filingué prison for over six months, according to Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), and the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT). These organizations are demanding his immediate and unconditional release, citing the baseless nature of the charges against him.
groundless terrorism charges and prolonged detention
On December 3, 2024, officers claiming to be police forcibly took Moussa Tiangari from his home in Niamey, the capital of Niger. A month later, on January 3, 2025, the Niamey Court of First Instance charged him with serious offenses including “conspiracy in collusion with enemy powers”, which carries the death penalty if convicted. Additional charges include “association with a terrorist enterprise” and “undermining national defense”—allegations that have drawn strong criticism from international rights groups.
Since his transfer to Filingué prison, located 170 kilometers from Niamey, Tiangari has not appeared before a judge to review the validity of the charges. Legal experts from Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, FIDH, and OMCT have reviewed the case and confirmed that none of the accusations are grounded in internationally recognized crimes. Instead, they argue, the charges stem from his legitimate exercise of freedom of expression.
why Moussa Tiangari’s detention is unjust
Before his arrest, on November 12, 2024, Moussa Tiangari publicly criticized a government decision to revoke the licenses of two humanitarian NGOs. He also spoke out against the creation of a terrorism database, which he warned would violate the human rights of Nigerien citizens. Under a 2024 ordinance, individuals listed in this database—including Tiangari—risk losing their citizenship.
Under Niger’s penal code, terrorism-related charges can lead to up to four years of preventive detention without renewal. However, rights organizations maintain that Tiangari’s detention is punitive, not preventive, and serves to silence dissent in a country where civil society voices are increasingly suppressed.
«Moussa Tiangari is being held solely for speaking out. His detention is a clear violation of his human rights and a misuse of anti-terrorism laws to stifle criticism.» — Marceau Sivieude, Deputy Regional Director for Amnesty International in West and Central Africa
«His arrest sends a chilling message to anyone who dares challenge the government’s authoritarian drift.» — Ilaria Allegrozzi, Senior Sahel Researcher at Human Rights Watch
«For decades, he has championed democracy, resource sovereignty, and national independence. A government that truly represents the people would release him immediately.» — Isidore Ngueuleu, Africa Regional Director at OMCT
a pattern of repression in post-coup Niger
Moussa Tiangari, 55, serves as Secretary-General of Alternatives Espaces Citoyens (AEC), a civil society organization. His arrest follows a broader crackdown on dissent since the military takeover in July 2023. Reports from Amnesty International indicate that former government officials and critical voices have been systematically targeted, harassed, and detained without legal justification.
In March and May 2025, courts rejected two legal appeals filed by Tiangari’s lawyers, including a challenge to the jurisdiction of the specialized anti-terrorism court handling his case. The defense has since filed an appeal.
International organizations continue to call for his release, emphasizing that his detention not only violates international law but also deepens concerns about Niger’s democratic backsliding.
Take Action: Join the global movement demanding justice for Moussa Tiangari. Share your voice on social media using #FreeMoussaTiangari.