Philémon Gira, a journalist with the provincial bureau of Radio Télévision Nationale Congolaise, had his leg amputated after gunmen followed him home from his TV station and fired three shots point-blank
Journalist in Danger (JED) is appalled by a shooting attack on a journalist with the provincial bureau of Radio Télévision Nationale Congolaise (RTNC) in Goma, the capital of the eastern province of Nord-Kivu, on 25 October.
JED calls on the Congolese authorities to offer support to this media professional – who is now unable to do his job – and to offer support to his family.
According to information obtained by JED, Gira’s left leg was amputated on 3 November 2014 at CBCA/BETHSAIDA-NDOSO hospital, where he continues to be treated. Doctors told Gira’s family that amputating his leg was the only way they would be able to save the journalist’s life.
Gira was badly injured near his home, when gunmen who had followed him from the TV station fired three shots at him point-blank. They then grabbed his backpack, containing his camera and tape recorders and fled, leaving him for dead. Bleeding profusely from a shot to the leg, Gira was found by passers-by who took him to a hospital.
In light of the recent International Day to End Impunity on 2 November 2014, JED reiterates its call to provincial authorities to conduct an urgent and thorough investigation to identify those responsible for the journalist’s attempted murder.
Please note this is an abridged translation.
