Two Nigerien human rights defenders lose appeal , Front line

Journalists Mamane Abou and Oumarou Keita lost their appeal against charges of defaming the state and spreading false news in a court in Niger on 25 September. They were arrested following the publication of articles exposing government corruption and for accusing the Prime Minister of "wooing the Iranians" to the extent of being prepared to close down Western embassies. All requests for bail were denied.