(RSF/IFEX) – RSF is denouncing the expulsion of Stephen Smith, a journalist of the French daily “Libération”, from the Central African Republic. According to RSF’s information, Smith, a specialist of Africa, was in possession of a visa issued by the Central African Republic’s embassy in Paris to visit and do a story on the country’s […]
(RSF/IFEX) – RSF is denouncing the expulsion of Stephen Smith, a journalist
of the French daily “Libération”, from the Central African Republic.
According to RSF’s information, Smith, a specialist of Africa, was in
possession of a visa issued by the Central African Republic’s embassy in
Paris to visit and do a story on the country’s far north region. Upon his
arrival at the Bangui-Mpoko airport on 13 January 1999, he was asked by the
air and border police, as well as by members of the presidential guard, to
rebord the same airplane with his family. The authorities made clear that he
was considered “undesirable” in the Central African Republic.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to the President:
that
his country has ratified the International Covenant on Civil and Political
Rights, which guarantees the free circulation of information
travel
to and work in the Central African Republic freely
Appeals To
Mr. Ange-Félix Patassé
President
Bangui, Central African Republic
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
