TNAG-0652-FCO40-801-Planning-Staff-papers-on-human-rights-and-foreign-policy-cou-1977 — Page 158

CONFIDENTIAL

NIGER

Report by HM Embassy, Abidjan.

Right No.

(i)

(ii)

All criminals are brought to trial. "Political" prisoners, though not classed as such, number approximately 100 and receive, it is believed, some kind of summary trial though not a public one.

-

Police brutality, but not torture usually in the case of petty criminals is not uncommon.

(iii) There is no slavery.

(iv)

Rating Suggested

All media (television, radio and press) are state controlled and strictly follow. the party line. Freedom of speech is not restricted, though extremely few words of dissent are voiced.

by Post

4

3

О

4

(v)

The judiciary is entirely independent.

(vi)

All trade unions have, to a degree, to follow the government line.

(vii) There is no restriction on emigration.

CONFIDENTIAL

O

ろ