(RSF/IFEX) – On 28 November 1997, Stephen Smith, a reporter with the French daily “Liberation”, was refused a visa by the Rwandan Embassy in France. On 1 December, Modeste Rutabagiro, Charge d’affaires at the embassy confirmed that Smith was declared “persona non grata” in Rwanda, adding “he (Smith) has only himself to blame, considering the […]
(RSF/IFEX) – On 28 November 1997, Stephen Smith, a reporter with
the French daily “Liberation”, was refused a visa by the Rwandan
Embassy in France. On 1 December, Modeste Rutabagiro, Charge
d’affaires at the embassy confirmed that Smith was declared
“persona non grata” in Rwanda, adding “he (Smith) has only
himself to blame, considering the horrors he has written” about
the country.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to the president:
Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, Article 19 of which
recognizes the freedom to inform and be informed
remove Smith’s “persona non grata” status and guarantee foreign
media free access to information
Appeals To
His Excellency Pasteur Bizimungu
President
Presidential Palace
B15
Kigali, Rwanda
Fax: +250 7 2904, +250 8 3975 or +250 8 4769
