Publish What You Pay condemns the arrest of Ali Idrissa, ROTAB and PWYP Niger coordinator, taken  from his home by Nigerien police at 04:00 am this morning. Ten other members of ROTAB were arrested later this morning. These arrests followed yesterday's press conference where Mr. Idrissa discussed AREVA’s recent deal with Niger and the visit of the French President François Hollande... Mr. Idrissa had called on AREVA to respect Niger’s laws and denounced aspects of the France - Niger relationship as neo-colonial... The French President Hollande is due to arrive in Niamey today as part of his tour of West Africa. Ali Idrissa was released earlier today, but he has been told that once Hollande’s visit is over, the authorities will come to pick him up and take him to a judge.

Ali Idrissa is the coordinator of ROTAB and PWYP Niger and has long campaigned on issues of extractive transparency and natural resources. He is also on the International Board of EITI (Extractive Transparency Industry Initiative)...Publish What You Pay calls upon the Government of Niger for the immediate release without conditions of Ali Idrissa and for the respect of freedom of expression and association of civil society... The ten members from ROTAB and other civil society groups who were also arrested this morning remain in custody... Mme Solli Ramatou (GREN), Mme Naomi Stansley (ROTAB), Mr Maikoul Zodi (ROTAB), Halidou Mounkaila (Membre CA ROTAB), Mr Mato (MPCR), Boubacar illiassou (Rotab), Yaou (Gardien siege ROTAB), Ibrahim Naimayou, Bozari Boubacar (GREN)