(RSF/IFEX) – In a letter addressed to the state prosecutor, Djama Souleiman Ali, RSF expressed its concern over the arrest of a journalist in Djibouti. RSF has requested the release of journalist Daher Ahmed Farah, editor-in-chief of “Renouveau”. Robert Ménard, RSF’s secretary-general, added that “prison sentences are considered by international human rights bodies to be […]
(RSF/IFEX) – In a letter addressed to the state prosecutor, Djama Souleiman
Ali, RSF expressed its concern over the arrest of a journalist in Djibouti.
RSF has requested the release of journalist Daher Ahmed Farah,
editor-in-chief of “Renouveau”. Robert Ménard, RSF’s secretary-general,
added that “prison sentences are considered by international human rights
bodies to be disproportionate to the prejudice suffered by the victim of
such infractions. This is why no democratic state today sentences
individuals to imprisonment in press-related cases.”
According to RSF’s information, Daher Ahmed Farah was arrested on 29 August
1999. On that day, the state prosecutor announced in a news release that the
journalist had been charged following the publication of an article that was
“contrary to the press laws, and potentially harmful to the morale of the
armed forces.” In one of his reports, Daher Ahmed Farah repeated the
suggestions made by a radical wing of the main opposition party and reported
on the low morale reigning in the armed forces. The co-author of the
article, an army general and member of the united Djibouti opposition (ODU),
was charged at the same time as the journalist.
Ali Meidal Wais, former chief of staff, is currently the senior editor of
the opposition monthly “Le Temps”. He was also arrested for publishing the
same article which led to the arrest of Daher Ahmed Farah of “Renouveau”.
Both journalists are currently being detained and are expected to appear in
court on 2 September.
