(MISA/IFEX) – Journalist Rafael Marques has been barred from travelling to Washington, D.C. (USA) to attend a conference. Marques told MISA that he had requested permission from a judge to travel to Washington but his request was verbally turned down. Several other journalists were also previously harassed by being barred from leaving the country. These […]
(MISA/IFEX) – Journalist Rafael Marques has been barred from travelling to Washington, D.C. (USA) to attend a conference. Marques told MISA that he had requested permission from a judge to travel to Washington but his request was verbally turned down.
Several other journalists were also previously harassed by being barred from leaving the country. These included journalists William Tonet and Gilberto Neto.
Background Information
Marques was arrested at his home on 16 October 1999 after being accused of defaming President dos Santos, for having referred to him as a dictator in an article published in “Agora” newspaper. He was released forty-one days later after posting bail of US$80 and under the condition that he not leave the country and that he not “participate in any activities related to crime”. His trial is still pending (see IFEX alerts of 13 January 2000, 17 December, 30, 25, 16, 3 and 2 November, 28, 22, 20, 19 and 18 October 1999).
Recommended Action
Send appeals to authorities:
– protesting the restriction placed on Marques which prevents him from leaving the country
– pointing out that this is not the first such incident against a journalist
– noting that the restriction is a violation of Marques’ right to receive and impart information
– respectfully requesting that the authorities uphold and respect this right, and accordingly lift the restriction placed on him
Appeals To
APPEALS TO:Hon Jose Eduardo dos Santos
President of the Republic of Angola
Fax: +244 2 331 898 / 331 885Sr Domingos Culolo
Attorney General of the Republic of Angola
Fax: +244 2 333 172Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
