Journalist Ali Moumouni Detained Over 1 Year Without Trial in Cotonou

In Benin, journalist Ali Moumouni has remained detained at Cotonou Civil Prison for over a year without a judgment delivered in his case, following his arrest on July 16, 2025, and subsequent remand by the Court for the Repression of Economic Offenses and Terrorism (CRIET) on July 21, 2025.

Moumouni, a former journalist with Canal 3, faces serious charges including "incitement to violence and rebellion," "harassment through electronic communications," and "glorification of terrorism." His detention is reportedly linked to an investigation into journalist Hugues Comlan Sossoukpè, founder of the online media outlet Olofofo, with authorities suspecting Moumouni of collaboration based on communications found on Sossoukpè's phone. Despite a first hearing held on March 25, 2026, more than eight months after his remand, no judgment has been delivered, and the hearing was interrupted due to his deteriorating health, highlighting significant concerns about due process and the conditions of detention.

This case raises profound concerns regarding the right to a fair trial within a reasonable time and freedom of the press in Benin. The prolonged pre-trial detention without judgment, particularly for a journalist, can be viewed as a potential violation of both national constitutional guarantees and international human rights standards, such as those enshrined in the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, to which Benin is a signatory. For legal practitioners, it underscores the challenges individuals face when accused of offenses falling under the jurisdiction of specialized courts like CRIET, particularly concerning the speed of judicial proceedings and the conditions of detention. It also highlights the potential for broad interpretations of charges like "incitement to violence" or "glorification of terrorism" when applied to journalistic activities, which could have a chilling effect on media freedom and legitimate reporting.

The legal context involves Benin's criminal procedure code, which governs rules for arrest, detention, and trial, including provisions for pre-trial detention and the right to a speedy trial. The Constitution of Benin guarantees fundamental rights, including freedom of expression and the right to a fair trial. The Court for the Repression of Economic Offenses and Terrorism (CRIET) is a specialized judicial body established to handle complex economic crimes and terrorism-related offenses. Its jurisdiction and procedures are defined by specific legislation, which may allow for extended investigative periods due to the nature of the crimes it addresses. However, even within this framework, prolonged detention without judgment can be challenged under constitutional and international human rights law, emphasizing the state's obligation to ensure timely judicial processes.

Key parties involved include Ali Moumouni, the detained journalist; Hugues Comlan Sossoukpè, whose investigation led to Moumouni's arrest; the Court for the Repression of Economic Offenses and Terrorism (CRIET), which ordered his remand and is handling the case; and the National Centre for Digital Investigations, involved in the initial evidence gathering. The state of Benin, through its judicial and law enforcement arms, acts as the prosecuting authority. Attorneys should be acutely aware of the implications of prolonged pre-trial detention, particularly in cases involving specialized courts like CRIET. They should closely monitor developments in this case for precedents regarding the application of anti-terrorism and electronic communications laws to journalistic activities. Practitioners advising media organizations or individuals involved in online content creation should emphasize the importance of understanding the legal boundaries of expression, especially concerning sensitive topics that could be construed as incitement or glorification of terrorism. The outcome of this matter, particularly regarding the duration of detention and the eventual judgment, is not yet reported, but it will be critical for understanding the judicial landscape for freedom of expression in Benin.