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French Citizen Steeve Rouyar Released in Togo, Back in France

France says a Togolese judicial decision led to his release, with no confirmation that a year‑end pardon covered his case.

Overview

  • The French foreign ministry confirmed Rouyar's release and said he arrived in France on Thursday morning.
  • Rouyar was arrested on June 6 in Lomé during a rare protest, and the prosecutor said he was among about fifty detainees.
  • According to a source with access to the file, he acknowledged aggravated public‑order offenses but denied a state‑security charge carrying a potential 20 to 30 years in prison.
  • Togo's Council of Ministers announced pardons for 1,511 prisoners on Wednesday, and the unpublished list leaves the legal basis for Rouyar's freedom unclear.
  • Rouyar posted "Je suis libéré" on Facebook after his return, and elected officials in Guadeloupe welcomed the outcome and praised diplomatic efforts.