Human rights activists say Niger’s detained officials have been inaccessible following coup

Several political leaders detained in Niger, following a coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, have been unreachable, according to a group of human rights activists.

The junta has also been holding Bazoum, his wife and son under house arrest in their compound in the capital. Those close to Bazoum say his electricity and water have been cut off and he's running out of food. The junta says it plans to prosecute Bazoum for "high treason" and undermining state security. If convicted, he could face the death penalty, according to Niger’s penal code.