Two media outlets suspended for opposition coverage
The state-run National Communication Council announced on national public television the suspension of Obame-owned broadcaster TV+ for three months and the private weekly “Echos Du Nord” for two months.
Managing editor released from prison
Jean-Yves Ntoutoume was released after paying the remaining balance of a fine.
Editor arrested for not paying six-year-old fine
Jean-Yves Ntoutoume was arrested for not paying the entire amount of an excessive fine, in relation to a defamation case.
Journalist given suspended prison sentence
A criminal court convicted Jonas Moulenda on charges of criminal defamation and gave him a suspended three-month prison sentence and a US$900 fine.
Newspaper suspended for six months
“Ezombolo” newspaper was suspended for “persistently insulting the head of state.”
Newspaper editor and reporter summoned three times over libel suit
“There are absolutely no grounds for claiming that the article was libellous,” said RSF.
Communications council punishes nine media outlets
“Evidently, (the CNC) does not accept that members of government and the ruling party should attract criticism,” said RSF.
Journalist in hiding after security agents raid his home
The raid came after a series of reports in which the journalist challenged the official government figure of three deaths during post-election riots in Port-Gentil.
Leading editor detained, interrogated for several hours
RSF deplores the climate of fear that authorities have created among the media by arresting Albert Yangari, the well-known editor of the national daily “L’Union”.
Media targeted in political violence and tension following disputed election results
RSF is extremely worried about attacks on the media since authorities announced the victory of Ali Bongo in recent presidential elections.
Television station shut down during coverage of presidential election
JED notes that before and during the election, a number of restrictions were imposed on both national and international media outlets.
RSF concerned about media restrictions in lead-up to presidential election
Communications Minister Laure Olga Gondjout tried to defuse tension by spelling out rules for journalists on voting day.
Government imposes news blackout on President Bongo’s health
RSF has written to communication minister Laure Olga Gondjout voicing concern about the suspension of two Gabonese newspapers and warnings issued to Radio France Internationale over its coverage of President Omar Bongo’s health.
Two journalists released provisionally, still face trial on “propaganda” charges
(RSF/IFEX) – Reporters Without Borders notes that Gaston Asseko, the technical director of radio Sainte-Marie, and the three leading civil society members held in the same case were released provisionally on 12 January 2009 as was a police officer who was arrested with them. “Tendance Gabon” editor Léon Dieudonné Kougou, who was arrested with Asseko […]
One journalist released, a second transferred to prison despite medical concerns
(CPJ/IFEX) – The following is an 8 January 2009 CPJ press release: Gabon: Radio director and civil society leaders arrested New York, January 8, 2009 – Detained Gabonese journalist Gaston Asseko, who is in need of medical attention, must be released immediately, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. On December 30, Radio Sainte-Marie Technical […]
Two journalists detained for reporting on embezzlement charges against the president
(RSF/IFEX) – Reporters Without Borders is deeply disturbed by the detention of two journalists and three leading civil society members at the Libreville headquarters of the criminal investigation police. The five have been held for the past week – longer than the legal period for police custody – without any explanation being given. Other journalists […]