"You have come to spy on us. You have infiltrated our ranks. You will be punished!" one female supporter yelled on realising that Bah was a reporter.
(MFWA/IFEX) – On 20 October 2009, Maimouna Bah, a journalist with the privately-owned weekly “Le Lynx”, was detained by members of the Palais du Peuple, a group supporting the country’s junta leader, Captain Moussa Dadis Camara.
Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA)’s correspondent reported that before detaining her, Bah’s assailants tore her shirt and dragged her on the floor. They also seized her recorder, cellular phone and notebook.
“You have come to spy on us. You have infiltrated our ranks. You will be punished!” one female supporter yelled on realising that Bah was a reporter.
MFWA’s correspondent said Bah, who had gone to cover a meeting by the group aimed at garnering support for Captain Camara, was accused of being opposed to their candidate. The organisers photographed her and subjected her to questioning.
“You are a spy!” they accused her. “We are going to settle your case. It is you who are opposed to Captain Moussa Dadis Camara.”