Benin TV station censored amid presidential pressure
Benin’s state-run media regulator, the High Authority for Broadcasting and Communication, has suspended the Canal 3 Sunday talk program Sous L’Arbre à Palabres for three months and suspended a debate segment on Actu Matin, a daily news program, for two weeks, according to local journalists and news reports.
Newspapers sanctioned for coverage of officials
Throughout December 2011, Benin’s state-run media regulatory agency summoned more than a dozen newspapers to public hearings and handed them sanctions ranging from a public apology to indefinite suspension, according to news reports.
ARTICLE 19’s submission to the UN Universal Periodic Review
The submission outlines areas where the country has failed to meet its legal obligations to protect freedom of expression.
Benin press regulators halt publication of daily “Le Béninois libéré”
The newspaper was accused of publishing “inflammatory articles and discourteous comments aimed at destroying the republic and damaging relations between Benin and the other members of the Conseil de l’Entente.”
Media union slams broadcasting authority for gagging media
The High Authority for Broadcasting and Communication faced criticism after releasing guidelines regarding the media’s coverage of upcoming elections.
Police attack newspaper journalist, thwart opposition demonstration
A group of police officers slapped Séïdou Choubadé several times, while others beat him with clubs; the attack went on unabated despite the journalist showing them his press card.
Media regulatory body suspends nine newspapers for one week
The newspapers include “Le Clairon”, “Le Béninois”, “L’Engagement”, “Les Scoops du jour”, “L’Audace Info”, “La Suite”, “La Nouvelle Tribune”, “Actu Express” and “Le Béninois Libéré”.
Authorities “gag” media on corruption allegations involving President Boni Yayi
The allegations claim that Boni Yayi offered illegal assistance to an insurance company, which reportedly funded his campaign.
Media regulator restricts media coverage of elections
The HAAC banned the media from publishing or broadcasting political campaign materials and warned it would close down any media organisation that violates this directive.
Radio station suspended for 30 days
Benin’s media regulatory body said Capp FM was suspended for hosting a programme that “endangered national cohesion and peace”.
Media groups condemn attacks on journalists, media
Benin’s media regulatory body has begun investigations into complaints of attacks brought by two media groups.
Journalist threatened with death by military official
(MFWA/IFEX) – On 13 August 2008, Jean-Christophe Houngho, parliamentary correspondent of “Le Matinal”, a privately-owned daily newspaper, complained to the journalists’ union that his life is in danger. Houngho said Colonel Antoine Guy Adjaho, head of the military detachment stationed at the National Assembly, has been consistently threatening and intimidating him. The journalist told the […]
Freedom of the Press 2007: Benin
Freedom of the Press 2007: Benin
Journalist arrested, physically assaulted by gendarmes
(MFWA/IFEX) – Bernard Oyekou, a cameraman of the privately-owned Le Gazette du Golfe media group was on 4 December 2007 arrested and physically assaulted by gendarmes at Ikpinle, Oueme, about 100 kilometres South-East of Cotonou, the capital of Benin. A Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) correspondent reported that Oyekou was arrested while covering a […]
Three journalists and executive of private media group sentenced to prison, heavy damages, fines
(CPJ/IFEX) – The following is a 21 February 2007 CPJ press release: Private media group journalists in Benin sentenced to prison New York, February 21, 2007 – The Committee to Protect Journalists condemns criminal convictions handed down on Friday in Benin against three journalists and an executive of private Golfe media group over a February […]
Two journalists sentenced to six months in prison with no parole for “defamation”
(RSF/IFEX) – Reporters Without Borders expressed shock at a six-month prison sentence handed down to publisher Clément Adéchian and editor Cécil Adjévi, of the privately-owned daily “L’Informateur”, together with a fine of 500,000 FCFA (752 euros) for “defamation”. The two journalists were arrested and sentenced on 1 December 2006 on the basis of a complaint […]