A radio journalist in Niger Republic, Moussa Kaka, who was arrested over alleged contacts with Tuareg rebels in the north of the country has been released on bail.
Moussa Kaka, who is a reporter for Radio France International, had been held for more than a year.
Mr Kaka's lawyer said the appeals court had ordered him provisionally freed ahead of a trial by another court in the capital, Niamey.
Mr Kaka was arrested for speaking with rebels by telephone.
He was accused of undermining state security but last month the charge was downgraded to "actions liable to harm national defence".
Tuareg rebels have been fighting government troops in northern Niger, saying they want more autonomy and a fairer share of wealth.
Journalists have been banned from travelling to the north.
This is really a source of concern for journalists like me who have to keep close tabs on rebel leaders through telephones for breaking news.
Hope this law is not applied in Nigeria...i hope the passage of the FOI bill here will take care of this challenge.
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