(CPJ/IFEX) – On 5 November 1998, Kileba Pok Ames, editor-in-chief of the independent newspaper “Le Soft”, went into hiding following the same day’s arrest of “Le Soft” journalists Awazi Kharomon, Lubamba Lutoko, and Bébé Ediya. Three other “Le Soft” employees, Ricky Milunda, Buka, Freddy, and a visitor, Kenda Waling, were also arrested with the journalists […]
(CPJ/IFEX) – On 5 November 1998, Kileba Pok Ames, editor-in-chief of the
independent newspaper “Le Soft”, went into hiding following the same day’s
arrest of “Le Soft” journalists Awazi Kharomon, Lubamba Lutoko, and Bébé
Ediya. Three other “Le Soft” employees, Ricky Milunda, Buka, Freddy, and a
visitor, Kenda Waling, were also arrested with the journalists by officers
of the Rapid Intervention Police.
**Further to IFEX alert of 6 November 1998**
Background Information
In the 3 November edition of “Le Soft”, the daily reported on a joint
venture beween Gécamine, the major diamond and mineral mining company in the
country, Ridgepoint, a private mineral marketing firm, and the government of
the Democratic Republic of Congo. The article was based on a French-language
Voice of America broadcast aired on 30 October and 2 November, questioning
the close relationship between the corporations and the government minister
who signed the joint-venture agreement. “Le Soft” reported that it would
publish an important document concerning this affair in its 6 November
edition. The newspaper was closed by police before it could publish the 6
November edition.
