Ibrahim Manzo Diallo, the editor of the Aïr Info, a privately-owned fortnightly based in the northern city of Agadez, was charged on 29 October with "criminal association" and was placed in pre-trial detention in Agadez prison, where he is being held with common criminals. No date has been set for a trial as the case is still being investigated, his lawyer said.

"Bringing this kind of charge against a professional newspaper editor is an insult to journalism," Reporters Without Borders said. "Contacting all possible sources in order to report what is going on does not constitute criminal association. It is part of the normal and legitimate work of the press."

Reporters Without Borders reiterates its call for the release of Diallo, his reporter Daouda Yacouba, and Niamey-based journalist Moussa Kaka.