On 9 October 1996, Jose Rodriguez Santy, director of the privately-owned radio station Pigiguitty, held a press conference to inform the public about threats made by members of government against Ladislau Stanislau Robalo, a daily newscaster. According to the two journalists, members of Prime Minister Saturnino Da Costa’s cabinet summoned Joaquim Robalo, Ladislau Stanislau Robalo’s […]
On 9 October 1996, Jose Rodriguez Santy, director of the
privately-owned radio station Pigiguitty, held a press conference
to inform the public about threats made by members of government
against Ladislau Stanislau Robalo, a daily newscaster. According
to the two journalists, members of Prime Minister Saturnino Da
Costa’s cabinet summoned Joaquim Robalo, Ladislau Stanislau
Robalo’s father, and asked him to use his influence over his son to
convince him (Ladislau) to stop spreading “lies” on the air
against the Prime Minister and his government, or else be dragged
to the police station and beaten so badly “his father would not
even recognize him.”
The threats have been taken so seriously by the station’s director
that he is considering permanently closing the station.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to the Prime Minister:
and expressing concern for the journalist’s safety
Ladislau Stanislau Robalo’s right to exercise his profession be
respected, and that threats against him cease
Appeals To
Saturnino Da Costa
Prime Minister
Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
Fax care of the Guinea-Bissau diplomatic representative to your
country
(for Canada and the United States)
Embassy of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau
918 16th Street NW
Mezzanine Suite
Washington, D.C.
20006 United States
Fax: +1 202 872 4226
Please copy appeals to the originator if possible.
