The Democratic Republic of Congo's broadcast regulator (CSAC) has been ordered to pay US $40,000 in damages to the owner of Molière TV, after banning the station's flagship show for thirty days.
Journalist in Danger (JED) acknowledges the decision made by the High Court of Kinshasa/Gombe condemning the broadcast regulator (CSAC) to pay the sum of US $40,000 in damages and interest to Mr. Léon Nembalemba. Mr. Nembalemba is the owner of Molière TV, a private station based in Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
On 26 August 2013, the High Court of Kinshasa/Gombe ordered the CSAC to pay the aforementioned fine for all of the harm caused to Mr. Léon Nembalemba.
JED recalls that on 5 April 2013, the CSAC suspended “Kin Makanbo,” Molière TV’s flagship show, for thirty days. The broadcast regulator also suspended Mr. Léon Nembalemba for having broadcast “offensive and defamatory remarks” about a judge.
The incriminating actions bolstering this decision furthermore concern a show called “Investigation and Magazine” broadcast by Molière TV. Thirty days after the ban on his flagship show had expired, the CSAC failed to lift the ban. This is what motivated the head of Molière TV to take the CSAC to court for having harmed the interests of his business.
While this case was still under review in court, the CSAC – through another decision dated 28 June 2013 – suspended the shows “Kin Makambo” and “Investigation Magazine” for not adhering to TV schedule guidelines.
(Please note this is an abridged translation)
