(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) – The following is an ARTICLE 19 press release: 4 May 2000 – For immediate release 10-YEAR SENTENCE IMMINENT FOR DETAINED CONGOLESE JOURNALIST ARTICLE 19 today appealed for the immediate and unconditional release of Freddy Loseke Lisumbu La Yayenga, Editor of La Libre Afrique, who has been in custody in the Democratic Republic […]
(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) – The following is an ARTICLE 19 press release:
4 May 2000 – For immediate release
10-YEAR SENTENCE IMMINENT FOR DETAINED CONGOLESE JOURNALIST
ARTICLE 19 today appealed for the immediate and unconditional release of Freddy Loseke Lisumbu La Yayenga, Editor of La Libre Afrique, who has been in custody in the Democratic Republic of Congo since his arrest on 31 December 1999. He is in severe ill-health as a result of being tortured while in custody, and despite failing to produce evidence, the prosecution has demanded a 10-year prison sentence for the journalist on charges of “outrage à l’armée”.
ARTICLE 19 believes that the process is politically-motivated – the charge relates to two articles which Freddy Loseke wrote in late December 1999 about alleged unrest within the armed forces. Mr Loseke has appeared before the Cour d’Ordre Militaire on several occasions and his case has repeatedly been adjourned because the prosecution has failed to provide the relevant documentation. Latest reports state that a verdict is imminent and that the prosecution has demanded a 10-year prison sentence on charges of “outrage à l’armée”.
As the process drags on, Mr Loseke’s state of health is deteriorating and he is not being granted access to adequate medical treatment.
