Two journalists sentenced to five years in prison following closed-door hearing
A military tribunal in Yaoundé sentenced Jacques Blaise Mvié and Charles René Nwe of “La Nouvelle” newspaper to five years in prison.
Attacks on the Press in 2008: Cameroon
Attacks on the Press in 2008: Cameroon
Four journalists imprisoned since September 2008 for critical reporting
(IFJ/IFEX) – The following is an IFJ media release: IFJ Calls for Release of Journalists and Reform of Libel Laws in Cameroon The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today demanded the release of four journalists imprisoned in Cameroun on libel charges. “We demand the immediate release of the detained journalists and the decriminalisation of libel […]
Journalist sentenced to three years imprisonment for “spreading false news”
(RSF/IFEX) – On 9 January 2009, Reporters Without Borders condemned a three-year prison sentence handed down to Lewis Medjo, managing editor of the weekly “La Détente libre”, and urged the authorities to allow him bail. He has been in Douala central prison in the west of the country since 22 September 2008. Medjo was found […]
Songwriter sentenced to three years in prison
(WiPC/IFEX) – The WiPC protests the three-year prison sentence and exorbitant fine imposed on the well known singer-songwriter Lapiro de Mbanga (real name Pierre Roger Lambo Sandjo) on 24 September 2008 for allegedly taking part in anti-government riots. Mbanga is known as an outspoken critic of the government, both as a songwriter and an opposition […]
Douala-based newspaper publisher arrested and jailed
(RSF/IFEX) – Reporters Without Borders condemns the detention of journalist Lewis Medjo in the western city of Douala. The publisher of the Douala-based “Détente Libre” weekly, Medjo was arrested by the head of the judiciary police as he left a dinner in a Douala hotel on the evening of 22 September 2008. “This journalist has […]
Songwriter remains in detention; WiPC concerned for his failing health
(WiPC/IFEX) – WiPC protests the four-month detention of the well known singer-songwriter Lapiro de Mbanga (real name Pierre Roger Lambo Sandjo), reportedly for a song he wrote criticising controversial constitutional amendments in Cameroon. The WiPC fears that Mbanga’s detention stems from his critical lyrics, and is therefore in violation of his right to freedom of […]
Authorities lift ban on three private broadcasters; Magic FM’s equipment held by police
(CPJ/IFEX) – The following is an 8 July 2008 CPJ press release: Cameroon broadcaster’s equipment held by police New York, July 8, 2008 – Cameroonian authorities have lifted a ban on three private broadcasters summarily closed in connection with their critical coverage in February, but police are withholding equipment seized from one station, according to […]
Two journalists face up to two years’ imprisonment; director of radio station dismissed; several other journalists interrogated for reporting on corruption scandals
(IFJ/IFEX) – The following is a 5 June 2008 IFJ media release: IFJ Calls on Cameroonian Government to End Intimidation of Journalists Reporting on Corruption Scandals The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today urged the Cameroonian government to end the intimidation of journalists reporting on corruption scandals in the country after at least five journalists […]
Journalist assaulted, injured by soccer star; other players seize equipment to prevent journalists from covering altercation
(CPJ/IFEX) – The following is a 2 June 2008 CPJ press release: CPJ seeks probe into report that soccer star assaulted journalist New York, June 2, 2008 – The Committee to Protect Journalists today called for a thorough and transparent investigation into a scuffle Friday between members of Cameroon’s soccer team and journalists following a […]
One musician arrested, another sentenced to six months’ imprisonment for criticising constitutional amendments
(MFWA/IFEX) – Two renowned musicians, Lapiro de Mbanga and Joe La Conscience have been arrested and detained by the authorities in Cameroon for singing songs in which they criticised the recent controversial constitutional amendments which allow the President unlimited terms of office. The two were arrested respectively on 9 April and 20 March 2008. Mbanga, […]
Newspaper publisher held incommunicado, reporters attacked as government steps up media crackdown
(RSF/IFEX) – Reporters Without Borders condemns an escalation in repression of the privately-owned media with the 3 March 2008 arrest of Jacques Blaise Mvié, the publisher of the “La Nouvelle Presse” weekly, and several cases of physical violence against journalists covering a wave of street demonstrations against increases in the prices of fuel and basic […]
Third broadcaster closed within a week over coverage
(CPJ/IFEX) – The following is a 28 February 2008 CPJ press release: In Cameroon, third broadcaster closed within a week over coverage New York, February 28, 2008 – Police in the capital, Yaoundé, today forced a popular radio station off the air and confiscated its equipment over commentary critical of the government during a call-in […]
Freedom of the Press 2007: Cameroon
Freedom of the Press 2007: Cameroon
Communication minister suspends privately-owned TV station
(RSF/IFEX) – Reporters Without Borders calls on the government to explain the suspension of Equinoxe TV, a privately-owned station based in the commercial capital of Douala, on 21 February 2008. Communication minister Emmanuel Béyiyi Bi Essam said it was being shut down for failing to pay the required bond of 100 millions CFA francs (approx. […]
Two newspaper journalists freed after being held for five days
(RSF/IFEX) – Jean-Bosco Talla, the deputy editor of the privately-owned weekly “Le Front”, and Hervé Kémété, a trainee journalist, were released on 15 February 2008 after being held for five days. They were arrested on 10 February in the southern town of Zoétélé while investigating property owned by several senior politicians. In a report on […]