Benin's Court Upholds Rejection of Azannaï's Provisional Release Request

The Chamber of Appeals of the Court of Repression of Economic Infractions and Terrorism (CRIET) in Benin has confirmed the rejection of a request for provisional release by opposition figure Candide Azannaï. Azannaï, who was detained in December 2025 in connection with a foiled coup attempt, had submitted a request for provisional release on July 10, 2026. His lawyer, Me Aboubacar Baparapé, was present at the appeal hearing on September 24, 2026.

Azannaï's request for provisional release was initially rejected by the Chamber of Liberties and Detention of CRIET on August 13, 2026. Following this decision, his lawyer filed an appeal with the Chamber of Appeals of Liberties and Detention. The appeal was examined on September 24, 2026, and the Chamber of Appeals confirmed the initial decision, rejecting Azannaï's request for provisional release.

The CRIET court specializes in handling cases related to economic infractions and terrorism. Azannaï's case is linked to a foiled coup attempt on December 7, 2025, in Benin. He was detained provisionally in December 2025 and has been held since then. The court's decision means that Azannaï will remain in detention pending further proceedings.

Candide Azannaï, a former Minister of Defense, has been a prominent figure in Benin's opposition. His detention and the rejection of his provisional release request have likely sparked interest and debate among the public and the political community in Benin. The case is ongoing, and Azannaï's lawyer may still explore other legal avenues.

The CRIET court's decision was made in accordance with Benin's legal procedures. The court has jurisdiction over cases involving serious crimes, including those related to terrorism and economic infractions. Azannaï's case falls under this jurisdiction due to its connection to the foiled coup attempt.

The rejection of Azannaï's provisional release request highlights the complexities of Benin's judicial system and its handling of high-profile cases. The case may have implications for the country's political landscape, particularly given Azannaï's status as an opposition figure.

Azannaï's detention and the court's decision have not been met with public comments from the government or other high-ranking officials. The case is expected to continue through the judicial system, with potential appeals and further hearings.

Key points

• The CRIET court upheld the rejection of Candide Azannaï's request for provisional release.
• Azannaï has been detained since December 2025 in connection with a foiled coup attempt.
• The court's decision was made on September 24, 2026, confirming the initial rejection of Azannaï's request.