NIGER: NATIONAL ASSEMBLY APPROVES PROSECUTION OF

UNCLAS NIAMEY 000624 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV KCOR ASEC NG SUBJECT: NIGER: NATIONAL ASSEMBLY APPROVES PROSECUTION OF FORMER PRIME MINISTER REF: (A) NIAMEY 607 (NOTAL) (B) NIAMEY 603 ¶1. (U) Late in the evening of Monday, June 23, the National Assembly approved the prosecution of former Prime Minister Hama Amadou on charges related to the misuse of funds appropriated for support of the media (reftels). The secret ballot vote was 72 for and 28 against, with one abstention. ¶2. (U) The case now goes to the Supreme Court where it will be reviewed by a three judge panel, including the Supreme Court prosecutor. That panel will decide whether Amadou will be detained pending trial. ¶3. (U) Another case against Amadou related to his alleged involvement in the burning of a political opponent's car was dismissed on June 18 for lack of evidence. The prosecution can appeal that decision. ¶4. (SBU) Comment: Amadou is a leading candidate to replace President Tandja in elections scheduled for next year. His legal problems are the lead items in the Nigerien press and the focus of political discussions. Amadou's supporters had previously gathered when he was questioned related to the arson incident, and there is a strong possibility that he could mobilize those supporters in response to the National Assembly vote, particularly if the Supreme Court panel decides that he should be detained pending trial. However, Niamey is quite as of 9:00 Tuesday morning. ALLEN