Benin

(RSF/IFEX) – The four journalists that had been under arrest in Benin since 15 September 2006 were released on 18 and 19 September, after being interrogated by the state prosecutor. Virgile Linkpon and Fulric Richard Couao-Zotti, publication director and managing editor, respectively, of the private daily “La Diaspora de Sabbat”, both arrested on 15 September, […]

(RSF/IFEX) – Reporters Without Borders is demanding the release of four Beninese journalists, the first to have been detained since 2004. Until these detentions, the country had shown a marked improvement in the state of the freedom of the press. “These arrests do not represent a fair or measured response to possible factual errors committed […]

(MFWA/IFEX) – Media organisations in Benin have denounced attempts by security forces to suppress press freedom in Benin following their refusal to allow journalists to cover a press conference on 8 March 2006. The security forces said their refusal to allow the journalists to cover the press conference, which took place at a private residence, […]

(MFWA/IFEX) – Distel Amoussou, managing editor of “Panorama” daily newspaper, was arrested on the afternoon of 16 February 2006 by the intelligence branch of office of the president, for allegedly publishing false information that could destabilize the country. He was held in custody by the Economic Crime Squad and released the next day, but is […]

(CPJ/IFEX) – The following is a 19 August 2004 CPJ press release: BENIN: For first time since ’96, journalists imprisoned for their work New York, August 19, 2004 – At least four Beninese reporters face criminal defamation charges and two of them have already spent time in prison this year – the first journalists to […]

(RSF/IFEX) – On 13 August 2004, Patrick Adjamonsi, publication director of the daily “l’Aurore”, was arrested by police and jailed in Cotonou’s civilian prison. In June, Adjamonsi was sentenced to six months in prison with no parole for defamation, following a complaint filed by Dame Amoussou, a member of the High Authority for Audiovisual Communications […]

(CPJ/IFEX) – The following is a 3 May 2004 CPJ press release: BENIN: Jailed journalist granted provisional release New York, May 3, 2004-Jean-Baptiste Hounkonnou, publication director of the Beninese independent daily Le Nouvel Essor, was granted a provisional release after spending six weeks in jail on criminal defamation charges. On April 27, Benin’s Court of […]

(RSF/IFEX) – RSF applauds the provisional release of Jean-Baptiste Hounkonnou, publication director of the independent daily “Le Nouvel Essor”, one and a half months after his imprisonment. “This is a laudable decision for the Beninese government, as this incident had quite clearly tarnished the reputation of a country that has traditionally been respectful of journalists’ […]

(CPJ/IFEX) – The following is a 22 March 2004 CPJ press release: BÉNIN: CPJ condemns journalist’s imprisonment New York, March 22, 2004-The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) condemns the imprisonment of Jean-Baptiste Hounkonnou, publication director of the independent daily Le Nouvel Essor, which is based in Parakou, a city in the eastern central region of […]

(WiPC/IFEX) – The Writers in Prison Committee of International PEN is disturbed at the prison sentence handed down to journalist Jean-Baptiste Hounkonnou on 16 March 2004 for “defamation”. Hounkonnou, the publication director of the daily “Le Nouvel Essor”, was sent to Parakou (Centre-Est) prison immediately after the trial to begin serving his sentence. The verdict […]

(RSF/IFEX) – RSF condemns the assaults by police officers on Etienne Houessou, publication director of the newspaper “Le Télégramme”, and three of his colleagues on 1 April 2003. “Whatever their mistake was, nothing can justify the inappropriate detention of these journalists and the acts of violence committed against them. In this country, which views itself […]

(RSF/IFEX) – In a letter to President of the Republic Mathieu Kérékou, RSF asked for the immediate release of journalist Vincent Foly, in Cotonou. RSF pointed out that Benin ratified the International Accord on Civil and Political Rights, which guarantees freedom of expression. Robert Ménard, secretary general of RSF, added, “This explains why today, no […]

(RSF/IFEX) – In a letter to Justice Minister Joseph Gnonlofoun, RSF has protested the sentencing of six journalists in Cotonou to prison. RSF asked that these six journalists not be arrested and that the 1999 press law, notably Article 86, which calls for prison sentences of up to three months for “defamation”, be relaxed. RSF […]

(RSF/IFEX) – The following is a 22 January 1999 RSF letter to the President of Bénin’s Audiovisual and Communications Authority concerning the recent suspension of a radio programme: Mr. René Mêgniho Dossa Président de la Haute autorité de l’audiovisuel et de la communication Cotonou, Benin Paris, 22 January 1999 Mr. President, We wish to thank […]

(RSF/IFEX) – RSF is expressing concern further to the sentencing of two journalists to six-month prison terms. According to RSF’s information, on 15 December 1998, Edouard Loko and Septime Tolli, chief editor and journalist, respectively, with the independent daily “Le Progrès” (Progress), were sentenced to six-month prison terms for slander. This sentencing follows the filing […]

(RSF/IFEX) – RSF is expressing concern further to the sentencing of two journalists to six month prison terms. According to RSF’s information, on 17 November 1998, Maurice Chabi and Pascal Zantou, chief editor and reporter, respectively, of the independent daily “Les Echos du jour”, received a six month prison sentence for slander. This sentence follows […]