RSF voiced its support for reporters from Radio France, RFI, RTL and "La Croix" who were refused visas in the run up to elections.
(RSF/IFEX) – RSF has condemned the Togolese authorities’ refusal to grant accreditation to a number of French media outlets in the lead up to the country’s 4 March 2010 presidential elections. The organisation voiced its support for reporters from Radio France, RFI, RTL and La Croix who were refused Togolese visas and issued the following statement on 2 March:
“Special correspondents from Radio France, Radio France International, RTL and La Croix were refused access to Togo to cover this Thursday’s presidential elections. All of them had followed the appropriate procedures towards obtaining their press accreditation from the Communications Ministry several weeks ago. Despite repeated follow up with the ministry, the accreditation – a requirement for the issuing of the visa – was refused (. . .)”
RSF had already condemned last December the fact that several French journalists were having difficulties obtaining a visa in the lead up to the electoral campaign.
