Anti-slavery activist jailed in Niger

BBC News:

An anti-slavery human rights activist in Niger has been jailed for attempted fraud six days after his arrest.

Ilguilas Weila and five others are accused of trying to falsely elicit money from foreign donors.

The charges relate to a ceremony to free 7,000 slaves, cancelled at the last minute in March by the government who maintain slavery does not exist.

London-based Anti-Slavery International has urged the authorities to release Mr Weila and his colleagues immediately.

At least 43,000 people are thought to live in subjugation across Niger, which officially banned slavery in May 2003.

The ceremony in March was due to be attended by representatives of the slaves, the government and human rights campaigners at In Ates, near the border with Mali.

A local chief had agreed to the release of the slaves, but authorities now say his letter to Timidria, a local anti-slavery organisation, asking for financial aid to rehabilitate slaves was a forgery.

Mr Weila is president of Timidria, which has denied the allegations.

"There is not question of any attempt [by Timidria] to swindle money... We see this as another attempt by the government to clamp down on and muzzle Timidria," Romana Cacchioli, Timidria's Africa programme officer told Reuters news agency.

Mary Cunneen, Director of Anti-Slavery International has condemned the arrest of Mr Weila.

"Slavery is a significant problem in Niger and we call on the government to work in co-operation with Timidria to achieve an end to this abuse," she said in a statement.

According to Timidria, males slaves are forced to work in farms and tender cattle, while women are confined to domestic duties.

Acting under pressure, Niger's parliament made slavery punishable by up to 30 years in prison in 2003.

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