JED once again demands the reopening of Radio Bandundu FM, illegally closed on a verbal order from the provincial governor.
(JED/IFEX) – Kinshasa, 8 November 2010 – Journaliste en danger (JED) welcomes the provisional release of Fidèle Mwe, journalist and technician at Radio Bandundu FM, after 24 days in detention. Accused of “culpable abstention”, Mwe was provisionally released on the morning of 30 October by the High Court of Bandundu after posting 300,000 CDF (approx. US$335) in bail.
JED once again demands the reopening of Radio Bandundu FM, which was illegally closed on 30 September on a verbal order from the provincial governor.
“We expect the court to take a stand on this matter after the 4 November hearing, during which my lawyers raised objections to the wording of the summons which contains errors, particularly in regards to my position at the radio station,” Mwe told JED.
Mwe’s arrest followed the airing on 29 September of a programme called “Découverte” (Discovery), hosted by journalist Bienvenu Kapombo. During this show, which focused on “the roles of a provincial member of parliament”, one of three guests reportedly expressed agreement with the remarks of a listener who criticised a group of MPs who did not want to sign a motion of distrust against Governor Ndambu.
