Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09NIAMEY302
2009-04-28 07:52:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Niamey
Cable title:
Former PM Hama Amadou released from prison; receiving care
how-toVZCZCXRO0668 RR RUEHMA RUEHPA DE RUEHNM #0302 1180752 ZNR UUUUU ZZH R 280752Z APR 09 FM AMEMBASSY NIAMEY TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 4978 INFO RUEHAS/AMEMBASSY ALGIERS 3507 RUEHFR/AMEMBASSY PARIS 0816 RUEHTRO/AMEMBASSY TRIPOLI RUEHZK/ECOWAS COLLECTIVE RHMFISS/HQ USAFRICOM STUTTGART GE RUEHLMC/MCC WASHDC RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC RHEFDIA/DIA WASHDC
UNCLAS NIAMEY 000302
DEPT FOR AF/W, AF/RSA, AND DRL/EA
ACCRA ALSO FOR AF/WA
PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHER
DEPT PLS PASS USAID FOR AFR/W
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV SOCI PHUM PINR NG
SUBJECT: Former PM Hama Amadou released from prison; receiving care
in France
Ref: a) Niamey 00252, b) Niamey 00227, c) Niamey 00163, d) Niamey
00214, e) 08 Niamey 00632
UNCLAS NIAMEY 000302
DEPT FOR AF/W, AF/RSA, AND DRL/EA
ACCRA ALSO FOR AF/WA
PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHER
DEPT PLS PASS USAID FOR AFR/W
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV SOCI PHUM PINR NG
SUBJECT: Former PM Hama Amadou released from prison; receiving care
in France
Ref: a) Niamey 00252, b) Niamey 00227, c) Niamey 00163, d) Niamey
00214, e) 08 Niamey 00632
1. On April 23, the High Court of Justice approved the provisional
medical release of former Prime Minister Hama Amadou from prison,
where he had been detained since June 26, 2008. Amadou, who faces
corruption charges, left Niamey on April 24 to seek medical care in
France. The High Court has stated that he will face a hearing as
soon as his health status improves; Amadou was hospitalized from
March 12 - April 2, due to hyperglycemia, apparently aggravated by
hypertension (Ref A). Furthermore, his attorneys had requested his
evacuation to the American Hospital in Neuilly, France, in early
April (Ref B).
2. Hama traveled in long motorcade of supporters from Koutoukale
prison to his residence, where hundreds of people - family, friends,
party fellows, and journalists - were waiting for him in festive
spirit. Hama told journalists that he was happy to be free; he
stated that his detention conditions were difficult, and he would
not want to see even his enemies held under such conditions. "I now
understand the full meaning of human rights," he said. Asked if he
would continue his political activities, he said, "A politician is a
politician for life." When questioned about the "Tazarce" plan
(Hausa for "let it continue," a reference to appeals for President
Tandja to remain in office beyond the December 2009 end of his
mandate),he responded, "Right now, I am still under court orders,
so I will refrain from making any political commentary."
3. Minimize considered.
Allen
DEPT FOR AF/W, AF/RSA, AND DRL/EA
ACCRA ALSO FOR AF/WA
PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHER
DEPT PLS PASS USAID FOR AFR/W
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV SOCI PHUM PINR NG
SUBJECT: Former PM Hama Amadou released from prison; receiving care
in France
Ref: a) Niamey 00252, b) Niamey 00227, c) Niamey 00163, d) Niamey
00214, e) 08 Niamey 00632
1. On April 23, the High Court of Justice approved the provisional
medical release of former Prime Minister Hama Amadou from prison,
where he had been detained since June 26, 2008. Amadou, who faces
corruption charges, left Niamey on April 24 to seek medical care in
France. The High Court has stated that he will face a hearing as
soon as his health status improves; Amadou was hospitalized from
March 12 - April 2, due to hyperglycemia, apparently aggravated by
hypertension (Ref A). Furthermore, his attorneys had requested his
evacuation to the American Hospital in Neuilly, France, in early
April (Ref B).
2. Hama traveled in long motorcade of supporters from Koutoukale
prison to his residence, where hundreds of people - family, friends,
party fellows, and journalists - were waiting for him in festive
spirit. Hama told journalists that he was happy to be free; he
stated that his detention conditions were difficult, and he would
not want to see even his enemies held under such conditions. "I now
understand the full meaning of human rights," he said. Asked if he
would continue his political activities, he said, "A politician is a
politician for life." When questioned about the "Tazarce" plan
(Hausa for "let it continue," a reference to appeals for President
Tandja to remain in office beyond the December 2009 end of his
mandate),he responded, "Right now, I am still under court orders,
so I will refrain from making any political commentary."
3. Minimize considered.
Allen