An article published in "La Lanterne" newspaper was deemed to contain false claims that were insulting to Gnassingbé's reputation.
(MFWA/IFEX) – President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé of Togo has filed another suit against the Lomé-based privately-owned “La Lanterne” newspaper over a 12 August 2010 publication that he has claimed was false and insulting to his reputation.
This brings to five the number of legal suits that President Gnassingbé has initiated against three newspapers in August. He had earlier brought four other suits against “L’Indépendant Express” and “Liberté” newspapers.
The Media Foundation for West Africa’s (MFWA) correspondent in Togo reported that “La Lanterne” had in its issue No. 90 accused President Gnassingbé of mismanaging the affairs of the country.
The article in question was headlined: “Faure Gnassingbé’s inability to govern (is being) confirmed day in, day out.”
The newspaper also said in the same article that: “Togo’s situation is going from bad to worse . . . (and that) the head of state’s first term has been a total failure,” as a result of the luxurious lifestyles of President Gnassingbé and his friends and massive violations of human rights.
The Lomé Magistrate court has fixed 8 September as the day it will commence hearing of this latest suit.
