Articles by Journaliste en danger (JED)
Journalists working for private television station reportedly victims of attacks and anonymous threats
(JED/IFEX) – At least a dozen journalists, presenters and technicians of Canal Kin Television, a private television channel owned by Vice-President Jean-Pièrre Bemba, based in Kinshasa, visited JED to voice complaints about attacks and threats which have reportedly been made against them by unknown persons for several days. Some told JED that they had received […]
Media authority attempts to censor live and taped broadcasts during election period
(JED/IFEX) – The following is a 10 August 2006 JED statement: JED was surprised by the 10 August 2006 press release published by the office of the High Media Authority (Haute Autorité des Médias, HAM). This press release prohibits the broadcast of live phone-in programmes and live reports of public demonstrations. After HAM’s executive board […]
In wake of elections, JED calls for respect for press freedom by all
(JED/IFEX) – The following is a 4 August 2006 JED press release: Elections in DRC: JED calls for strict respect for press freedom by all Kinshasa, 4 August 2006 JED, an independent and non-profit organisation for the defense and promotion of press freedom and the alert network for the Central African Media Organisation (Organisation des […]
Journalist Patrick Booto released after nine months in prison
(JED/IFEX) – Patrice Booto, managing editor of the Kinshasa-based thrice-weekly “Le Journal” and its supplement “Pool Malebo”, was released from prison on 3 August 2006 at about 6 p.m. (local time). As soon as he was released, Booto contacted JED to express relief after spending nine long months at a Kinshasa prison (Centre Pénitentiaire et […]
JED condemns the destruction of media regulatory offices in Kinshasa
(JED/IFEX) – The offices of the High Authority on Media (Haute Autorité des Médias, HAM), the DR Congo media regulation agency, were destroyed, pillaged and set ablaze on 27 July 2006 at 5:30 p.m. (local time). The unidentified attackers were described by witnesses to be supporters of Movement for the Liberation of Congo (MLC) President […]
A week before general elections, journalist kept in prison for “offending the head of state”
(JED/IFEX) – The public prosecutor has requested a three-year prison sentence with no parole for Patrice Booto, managing editor of the Kinshasa-based thrice-weekly “Le Journal” and its supplement “Pool Malebo”. This request was made during the 21 July 2006 public appeal hearing at the Kinshasa/Kalamu High Court in appeal of the earlier Assosa Peace Tribunal […]
Journalist arrested and later released for “insulting” provincial governor
(JED/IFEX) – Olivier Komfie Mabwava, Bandundu correspondent for the Kinshasa-based Digital Congo FM radio station, was placed under pre-trial arrest on 12 July 2006 at about 4:30 p.m. (local time), in the Bandundu High Court prison, by the public prosecutor, Kapuba Tshikoyoyo. During his 6 July morning news programme, Mabwava reportedly accused Bandundu Province’s governor, […]
Ngyke murder trial set to begin on 12 July
(JED/IFEX) – The Military Court of the Kinshasa/Matete Garrison has set 12 July 2006 as the start date for the trial in the double murder of Franck Ngyke, a journalist with the daily “La Référence Plus”, and his wife Helène Mpaka. Until now, only three accused soldiers, currently held at a Kinshasa prison (Centre pénitentiaire […]