(RSF/IFEX) – RSF is protesting the revoking of a journalist’s accreditation and the suspension of Africa No. 1 radio station’s broadcasts. **New case and update to IFEX alert of 8 January 1999** According to RSF’s information, on 6 February 1999, the Congolese government revoked the accreditation of Bienvenu Boudimbou, a local correspondent with the panafrican […]
(RSF/IFEX) – RSF is protesting the revoking of a journalist’s
accreditation and the suspension of Africa No. 1 radio station’s
broadcasts.
**New case and update to IFEX alert of 8 January 1999**
According to RSF’s information, on 6 February 1999, the Congolese
government revoked the accreditation of Bienvenu Boudimbou, a local
correspondent with the panafrican radio station Africa No. 1, and
followed up this move by suspending the radio station’s broadcasts on
Brazzaville’s FM band, thereby also depriving the city of Kinshasa. This
decision, made public on national radio, was explained by Africa No. 1’s
alleged support for the opposition, by serving as a “forum for those who
carried out the genocide and have found refuge abroad.”
RSF reiterates its call, first circulated on 8 January, for the
Congolese government to offer the organisation exact information
regarding steps taken against the independent media, such as “Le
Flambeau”.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to the Information Minister:
measure explaining to him that the journalist, much like the panafrican
radio station, did nothing more than exercise their right to inform, as
guaranteed in the International Covenant on civil and political rights
and the African Charter of Human and Peoples’ Rights, ratified by Congo
these crimes and abuses
regarding the whereabouts and situation of at least seven journalists:
Jean Claude Bongolo, Prince Richard Nsana, Medard Milandou, Sebastien
Kamba, Patrick Kibinza, Pasteur Nganga and Gregoire Biyoko
Appeals To
Mr. Francois Ibovi
Minister of Information
Brazzaville, Congo
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
