(JED/IFEX) – Jean-Paul Ramazani Kulimushi, director of the public station Congolese National Radio-television (Radiotélévision nationale congolaise, RTNC) in Goma, in North Kivu province, was arrested on 29 October 2000 and has been held in detention since then. The journalist is being detained in solitary confinement in the “Mean Dog” cell block at the RCD (Congolese […]
(JED/IFEX) – Jean-Paul Ramazani Kulimushi, director of the public station Congolese National Radio-television (Radiotélévision nationale congolaise, RTNC) in Goma, in North Kivu province, was arrested on 29 October 2000 and has been held in detention since then. The journalist is being detained in solitary confinement in the “Mean Dog” cell block at the RCD (Congolese Rally for Democracy) rebel movement’s internal security services’ offices. Assisted by the Rwandan army, the RCD has controlled the eastern half of the Democratic Republic of Congo since August 1998.
According to information received by JED, Ramazani Kulimushi allegedly broadcast a commentary which was critical of certain RCD soldiers’ conduct. The commentary was broadcast on RTNC/Goma, which is under RCD control. The order for his arrest was allegedly given by the person in charge of the rebel movement’s security services, who accused the journalist of “broadcasting information likely to cause confusion in the minds of the people.”
