(JED/IFEX) – JED condemns the closing of a community radio station emitting in Mayi-Munene, near Tshikapa, in central RD Congo, and the confiscation of its equipment, by local officials of the National Intelligence Agency (ANR) on 9 June 2007. JED has accused Ibrahim Tutulu and Gustave Amuri, the ANR officials who blame the station for […]
(JED/IFEX) – JED condemns the closing of a community radio station emitting in Mayi-Munene, near Tshikapa, in central RD Congo, and the confiscation of its equipment, by local officials of the National Intelligence Agency (ANR) on 9 June 2007.
JED has accused Ibrahim Tutulu and Gustave Amuri, the ANR officials who blame the station for “poisoning the population” and “functioning without the ANR’s approval,” of abuse of power. In fact, a 22 June 1996 law, laying down the rules for freedom of the press in DR Congo, does not refer to the ANR as having any kind of authority over the opening of a media outlet. As for “the poisoning of the population”, JED notes that, once again, the ANR is involving itself in matters that are beyond its authority. The organisation recalls that such matters fall under the jurisdiction of the authority regulating media in the DRC (HAM).
Consequently, JED urges General Denis Kalume Numbi, the interior minister, to order the ANR to return the confiscated equipment, and allow the radio station that was arbitrarily closed to operate again; and sanction the two officials for their abuse of power.
