(JED/IFEX) – Television show host Honore Kabongo and Radiotelevision Kintuadi (RTK) cameraman Bienvenu Ngizulu were detained on 25 November 2006 when a dozen armed men stormed onto the set of “Écran matinale” (“Morning View”) at 11:45 a.m. (local time). The journalists were presenting a morning show programme devoted to the growing insecurity in Kinshasa that […]
(JED/IFEX) – Television show host Honore Kabongo and Radiotelevision Kintuadi (RTK) cameraman Bienvenu Ngizulu were detained on 25 November 2006 when a dozen armed men stormed onto the set of “Écran matinale” (“Morning View”) at 11:45 a.m. (local time). The journalists were presenting a morning show programme devoted to the growing insecurity in Kinshasa that resulted from an untimely power cut. Radiotelevision Kintuadi is owned by the Kimbaguiste Church and is based in Kinshasa.
Introducing themselves as intelligence officers and members of the Congolese special police services (DSRP), the armed men ordered the journalists to stop the programme immediately. They then seized the two men and roughly lead them to Kin Mazière police headquarters. Kabongo has been held in jail there since whereas Ngizulu was released 24 hours later, without an explanation.
According to information obtained by JED, the police have reportedly accused the journalist of covering an issue likely to incite people to carry out civil disobedience during a “sensitive” period.
During their forceful intervention, the police confiscated five cameras, six mobile phones and several microphones. They also damaged a great deal of equipment.
On 11 November 2006, Kabongo had received a threatening message on his mobile phone, ordering him to stop reporting on the insecurity prevailing in Kinshasa.
JED strongly condemns this arrest and apparent abduction of a journalist who was clearly carrying out his professional duties. The organisation urges that he be released immediately and unconditionally.
