(MISA/IFEX) – On 24 June 2000, in the evening, four armed men kidnapped the editor-in-chief of Radio Ecclesia, Jose Paulo. Paulo was snatched in Luanda’s city centre and driven out of the city limits. However, the kidnappers’ car got stuck in a bush track, enabling Paulo to escape while being shot at. Radio Ecclesia has […]
(MISA/IFEX) – On 24 June 2000, in the evening, four armed men kidnapped the editor-in-chief of Radio Ecclesia, Jose Paulo. Paulo was snatched in Luanda’s city centre and driven out of the city limits. However, the kidnappers’ car got stuck in a bush track, enabling Paulo to escape while being shot at.
Radio Ecclesia has consistently aired alternative and often dissenting views in Angola. In the days leading up to the attack on Paulo, the radio had aired an interview with vocal government critic Rafael Marques. The radio also reported extensively on the 21 June attack on the Luanda office of the Voice of America (see IFEX alert of 26 June 2000). On the morning of 24 June, Radio Ecclesia aired a live debate on the role of oil and diamonds in fuelling the conflict in Angola.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to the president:
– expressing grave concern about the attack on Paulo
– calling on him to ensure that the matter is thoroughly investigated and those responsible are brought to book
– calling on him to do everything in his power to safeguard the safety of journalists in Angola, and to uphold the fundamental rights of freedom of expression and media freedom
Appeals To
APPEALS TO:Hon Jose Eduardo dos Santos
President of the Republic of Angola
Fax: +244 2 331898 / 331885Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
