(WAN/IFEX) – The following is a WAN press release: Paris, 9 November 2001 For immediate release Togo Frees More Journalists The World Association of Newspapers today welcomed the release from prison of three Togolese journalists, bringing to four the number freed in the past two weeks. “If Togo has decided to empty its jails of […]
(WAN/IFEX) – The following is a WAN press release:
Paris, 9 November 2001
For immediate release
Togo Frees More Journalists
The World Association of Newspapers today welcomed the release from prison of three Togolese journalists, bringing to four the number freed in the past two weeks.
“If Togo has decided to empty its jails of journalists, this is indeed good news,” said Timothy Balding, Director General of the Paris-based WAN. “We hope that the authorities will now cease to arrest and detain journalists on spurious charges.”
Journalists in Togo said the mobilisation of protests by other African journalists, organised through the WAN African press network RAP 21, had been an important factor in the releases. “This is once more clear evidence that the pressure of international public opinion can free journalists. We will continue to focus increased attention on African governments that do not respect the basic human right of freedom of expression,” said Mr Balding.
According to reports, Togolese authorities freed Abdoul Ganiou Bawa, the Editorial Director, and Rigobert Bassadou, the Editor-in-Chief, of the private weekly Echos d’Afrique, who were jailed on 29 October for “undermining honour” and “publishing false news.” They were released on presidential order Mr Bawa on 2 November and Mr Bassadou on 30 October and their cases dismissed.
Also freed was Alphonse Nevamé Klu, Publication Director of the weekly Nouvel Echo, who was jailed on 13 October for “distribution of false news.” He was released on 30 October but his case is still pending.
Togo had last month freed Lucien Messan, the editorial director of Le Combat du Peuple, who was released by presidential pardon. He had been sentenced in June to 18 months in prison with six months suspended for “falsehood and the use of falsehood.”
A WAN delegation had met in July with Togolese officials, including Prime Minister Agbeyome Kodjo, to urge them to stop arresting journalists and to release Mr Messan, the most senior figure in the Togolese independent press. It had also protested to the government against the other jailings.
WAN, the global organisation for the newspaper industry, defends and promotes press freedom world-wide. It represents 17,000 newspapers; its membership includes 67 national newspaper associations, individual newspaper executives in 93 countries, 17 news agencies and eight regional and world-wide press groups.
