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A judge on Tuesday (January 10) ordered the release of the Senegalese journalist and prominent anti-government commentator, his lawyer said.
Niang, who is widely followed in Senegal for his regular column on current affairs, was released on 14 December 2022 but returned to prison a week later, after which he went on hunger strike to protest his detention. was
His attorney Moussa Sarr said the temporary release order included a strict ban on Niang from commenting on the incident and a travel ban.
A hunger strike initiated in protest of his detention made him “very nervous,” his lawyer said, adding that he was still hospitalized.
The journalist has been in Dakar’s main hospital since December 24, and doctors have expressed concern about his condition, according to local news outlets.
His other lawyer, Cire Cledor Ly, said the incident was “political” and that Diang should end his hunger strike.
“He held on. It was very difficult, but he fought for his principles and won,” the attorney said.
The lawsuit against Niang arose after he wrote about rape charges facing Senegal’s main opposition leader, Ousmane Sonko.
According to the union, Niang was accused of explaining classified messages about security measures to Sonko’s questioning by investigators.
His arrest sparked a wave of criticism from the media, civil society groups and Senegalese opposition, with many calling for his release.
The press association’s coordination issued a statement praising the “victory” of the release order and calling for the cancellation of the “fantasy and political charges that garnered him more than 60 days in prison.”
According to Reporters Without Borders (RSF), Senegal has a high reputation for openness and press freedom in West Africa, but its position is declining.
Its 2022 Press Freedom Index ranks Senegal 73rd out of 180 countries, down 24 places compared to 2021.
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