Célestin Yandal remains in prison after his release

The troubles faced by Célestin Yandal does not seem to end anytime soon.

Although he was released by the collegiality headed by the president of the Court of Tcholliré on September 17, 2015, after 22 months of detention, the UNDP Advisor of Touboro in the Northern Region is still held in the Tcholliré prison.

According to the Monday, September 21, 2015, edition of the L’œil du Sahel newspaper, "the Prosecutor of the Republic at the Tcholliré Courts, François Maurice Tchombe said the Célestin Yandal's security would be threatened and according to him, he is waiting on the order of his superiors, including that of the Prosecutor of the Court of Appeal for the North.”

"Initially, the judge spoke of certain arrangements for my safety. Afterwards, he said he is waiting for instructions from his hierarchy for him to release me and that the release that the Prosecutor gave me is not favourable. It is a decision of justice, not politics, nor a favor to release me", railed the concerned Célestin Yandal who was contacted on telephone by the newspaper.

According him, his detention is illegal at this time. "I've already served my sentence and all fines have been paid," he added. Detained for 22 months, Célestin Yandal was on the stroke of four sentences to six months in prison. It was a sentence he has already served, as well as paid all fines that have been imposed on him. They were the sums of 44 000 FCFA, 143 000 FCFA, and 40 300 FCFA, reported the newspaper.

His advicers also denounced this detention deemed arbitrary. "I think that he will be released on September 21, 2015, because it is out of the question that the PR continue to stay in prison while the president of the Court of Tcholliré has already transferred his order of release. It is an abuse," noted Me Dayang, lawyer of the president of the Association of youth of Touboro.

Even if he is released in the coming days, Celestine Yandal will return to court on December 17, 2015, where he is still being prosecuted for the complicity of minor injuries.