(RSF/IFEX) – RSF has acknowledged the Togolese authorities’ decision to allow seven stations to resume their broadcasts over the past few days. But the organisation called on the authorities to permit all closed media outlets to resume operations. After being shuttered for more than a week, Radio Fréquence 1, Radio Carré Jeune, Radio Djabal’nour and […]
(RSF/IFEX) – RSF has acknowledged the Togolese authorities’ decision to allow seven stations to resume their broadcasts over the past few days. But the organisation called on the authorities to permit all closed media outlets to resume operations.
After being shuttered for more than a week, Radio Fréquence 1, Radio Carré Jeune, Radio Djabal’nour and Radio Zion, and the privately-owned television stations TV7 and Zion were allowed to resume broadcasting on 18 February 2005, while Radio Lumière was allowed to go back on the air on 21 February.
“We request the reopening of all the Togolese media, and we will closely monitor relations between the government, the High Council for Broadcasting and Communication (HAAC) and journalists,” RSF said.
Between 7 and 15 February, authorities ordered the closure of a total of nine radio and television stations, citing “tax reasons” or charges of “inciting civil disobedience and revolt.”
Jacques Djakouti, the president of the Union of Independent Radio and Television Stations of Togo (URATEL), told RSF that negotiations with the HAAC and the communications minister had concluded late in the evening of 18 February and that, according to the minister, President Faure Gnassingbé had agreed to let the radio stations back on the air.
URATEL said three other privately-owned radio stations, Radio Nana FM, Radio Kanal FM and Radio Nostalgie, should be able to resume broadcasting in the next few days subject to their withdrawing a complaint brought against the HAAC for in relation to the suspension. The stations, who were charged with “inciting hate and revolt” under Togo’s new press code, claim the suspension is invalid as the law has not yet been promulgated.
Radio Nana FM programme director Faustin Woussou said a bailiff had removed the seals placed by the Post and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (ART&P) on the stations on 18 February.
