(RSF/IFEX) – RSF is protesting the arrest of a journalist in Lomé. According to RSF’s information, on 21 October 1998, Appollinaire Mewenemesse, editor-in-chief of the bi-monthly “La Dépêche”, was arrested and taken to the police station in the capital. The arrest followed the filing of a defamation complaint by the national Minister of Defence. On […]
(RSF/IFEX) – RSF is protesting the arrest of a journalist in Lomé. According
to RSF’s information, on 21 October 1998, Appollinaire Mewenemesse,
editor-in-chief of the bi-monthly “La Dépêche”, was arrested and taken to
the police station in the capital. The arrest followed the filing of a
defamation complaint by the national Minister of Defence. On 15 October, the
newspaper had published an article attributing responsibility for robberies
in the capital to soldiers of the Togolese Armed Forces (Forces Armées
Togolaises). “La Dépêche” quoted a non-commissioned officer stating that
“fragments of abandoned arms found at the crime scene either belong to the
police or the army.” Police also seized all copies of the bi-monthly.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to the Prime Minister:
Mewenemesse
Nouveau Combat”, is imprisoned since 6 August 1998 (see IFEX alert of 11
August 1998)
Appeals To
Mr. Kwassi Klutsé
Prime Minister
La Primature
Lomé, Togo
Fax: +228 21 20 40/+228 21 08 50
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
