(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) – ARTICLE 19 is concerned about the safety of a number of journalists reported to be in the custody of the West African Peace Keeping Forces (ECOMOG) since the capture of Freetown. The following are believed to by held by ECOMOG at present: **New cases and updates IFEX alerts as noted in text** […]
(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) – ARTICLE 19 is concerned about the safety of a number of
journalists reported to be in the custody of the West African Peace Keeping
Forces (ECOMOG) since the capture of Freetown. The following are believed to
by held by ECOMOG at present:
**New cases and updates IFEX alerts as noted in text**
Service (SLBS);
ARTICLE 19 is aware that in some instances journalists have been rescued
from vigilante attacks by ECOMOG soldiers and that in the case of Hilton
Fyle, for example, he owes his life to the intervention of ECOMOG personnel.
Our concern is heightened by reports that several other journalists are in
hiding and being sought by ECOMOG. These include Chernor Ojuku Cesay, editor
of “The Pool”, Ibrahim Seaga Shaw and Charles Roberts of the “Expo Times”
and Gibril Koroma, a correspondent for the World Service of the British
Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)(for the Koroma case see IFEX alerts dated 21
and 26 January 1997, and 2 February 1998).
Recommended Action
Send appeals to authorities:
currently detained unless they are to be charged with a recognizably
criminal offence and promptly and fairly tried
journalists pending the re-establishment of a civilian administration. Such
protection should extend impartially to those journalists who may have been
critical of the civilian government or of the role of ECOMOG
these journalists and assurances of their safety
Appeals To
Colonel Maxwell Mitkishi Khobe
ECOMOG
Freetown
NB* If anyone has an appropriate fax or telephone number for this alert,
could they please send it to the IFEX CH.
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
