Senegalese authorities have today (20 December) re-arrested journalist Pape Alé Niang, less than a week after his release on bail.

Niang, director of the privately owned website Dakarmatin, was taken into custody after a judge ordered for his arrest for allegedly violating one of his bail conditions, according to local reports. 

The authorities alleged the violation occurred when Niang discussed his ongoing prosecution during a Facebook Live broadcast on Saturday, December 17, his lawyer Ciré Clédor Ly told the US based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

“Authorities in Senegal should immediately and unconditionally release journalist Pape Alé Niang and cease all legal proceedings against him for his work,” said Muthoki Mumo, CPJ’s sub-Saharan Africa Representative, in Nairobi, Kenya. 

“Bail conditions should not be a sword of Damocles hanging over the head of any journalist.”

Niang was first arrested in early November and charged with disclosure of information to harm the national defence, concealment of administrative and military documents, and dissemination of false information likely to discredit public institutions. 

He faces up to five years in prison if convicted.