Police clamp down on demonstrators
Media professionals, civil society groups and members of opposition political parties were attacked with tear gas by security forces as they rallied to demand an investigation into recent attacks on journalists.
Media outlets protest to demand reopening of three radio stations
Most privately-owned radio stations and newspapers in Lome suspended their normal activities in protest against the continued closure of three radio stations since December 2010.
Regulatory authority closes down another radio station
The community radio station Radio Carré Jeunes has been accused of “non-adherence to professional standards”.
News magazine’s appeal hearing adjourned, ban remains in place
“Gnassingbé’s lawyers are stalling in order to win more time and meanwhile the magazine continues to be banned in Togo,” said RSF.
Authorities shut down three radio stations
Local media groups view the move as an attempt to muzzle the stations, which were deemed critical of the administration of President Gnassingbé.
President withdraws defamation charges against three newspapers
President Gnassingbé has withdrawn five legal suits he had filed against three Lomé-based newspapers for alleged defamation and insult.
President Gnassingbé files lawsuit against yet another newspaper
An article published in “La Lanterne” newspaper was deemed to contain false claims that were insulting to Gnassingbé’s reputation.
President files more defamation suits against two newspapers
Two of the lawsuits were brought against the weekly “L’Indépendant Express”.
Newspaper banned indefinitely, fined for defaming president’s brother; reporter assaulted in court
“Tribune d’Afrique”, a privately-owned newspaper, is accused of defaming Mey Gnassingbé, Togolese President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé’s brother.
Several journalists threatened for expressing their opinion
The Union of Independent Journalists of Togo demanded protection for its members to enable them to carry out their duties without fear or intimidation.
President Gnassingbé launches defamation lawsuit against newspaper
“L’Indépendant Express” published articles accusing the president of fighting with a Togolese soccer star over a beauty queen.
Three newspaper editors face criminal defamation charges
The Inspector General of Police filed a complaint against the three papers after they each carried an article blaming police officers for the death of a motorcycle driver.
French media outlets finally granted visas to cover presidential election
Special correspondents were granted visas on election day, allowing for only partial coverage.
French media denied accreditation to cover presidential election
RSF voiced its support for reporters from Radio France, RFI, RTL and “La Croix” who were refused visas in the run up to elections.
Newspaper “Golfe Info” suspended, fined
The newspaper was suspended for two months and ordered to pay damages to the National Intelligence Agency as a result of a recent front-page article.
Parliament passes amendment to strengthen powers of broadcast authority
The passage of the new law has received widespread condemnation from media groups and freedom of expression organisations, says MFWA.