Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08NIAMEY624
2008-06-24 06:35:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Niamey
Cable title:
NIGER: NATIONAL ASSEMBLY APPROVES PROSECUTION OF
how-toVZCZCXRO1733 PP RUEHMA RUEHPA DE RUEHNM #0624 1760635 ZNR UUUUU ZZH P 240635Z JUN 08 FM AMEMBASSY NIAMEY TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 4386 INFO RUEHZK/ECOWAS COLLECTIVE PRIORITY RUZEHAA/CDR USEUCOM INTEL VAIHINGEN GE PRIORITY RHMFISS/CDR USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE PRIORITY RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC PRIORITY RHEFDIA/DIA WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
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
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
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