(RSF/IFEX) – On 22 December 1997, Louis Esperant Celestin, editor-in-chief of the independent weekly “L’Oeil”, was expelled from Guinea to the Ivory Coast. He was charged with “inciting violence and riots” following the publication of an article, entitled “The final assault is coming”, concerning a press conference held by the Democratic Opposition Coalition (Codem). Celestin […]
(RSF/IFEX) – On 22 December 1997, Louis Esperant Celestin,
editor-in-chief of the independent weekly “L’Oeil”, was expelled
from Guinea to the Ivory Coast. He was charged with “inciting
violence and riots” following the publication of an article,
entitled “The final assault is coming”, concerning a press
conference held by the Democratic Opposition Coalition (Codem).
Celestin had reported the comments made by the Codem spokesperson
who stated that the opposition “would no longer leave room” for
the ruling Party for Unity and Progress (PUP).
Meanwhile, on 26 December 1997, the independent newspapers
“Le Lynx” and “L’Independant” were shut down by authorities
without explanation. The papers’ production material was seized
in the process.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to authorities:
Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, Article 19 of which
stipulates that everyone “has the right to access, receive and
circulate information and ideas in via any medium…”
of information and to permit Louis Esperant Celestin to exercise
his profession in Guinea
Appeals To
His Excellency Lansana Conte
President of the Republic of Guinea
Conakry, Guinea
Fax: +224 41 16 73
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
