(RSF/IFEX) – According to RSF, on 17 February 1998, Ahmed Abdi Farah, publishing director of the bimonthly, private-sector newspaper “Al Wahda”, and Kamil Hassan Ali, correspondent for the newspaper, were arrested and placed in detention in the prison in Gabode. “Al Wahda” is an organ of the Djibouti Opposition Front. The two journalists are required […]
(RSF/IFEX) – According to RSF, on 17 February 1998, Ahmed Abdi Farah,
publishing director of the bimonthly, private-sector newspaper “Al Wahda”,
and Kamil Hassan Ali, correspondent for the newspaper, were arrested and
placed in detention in the prison in Gabode. “Al Wahda” is an organ of the
Djibouti Opposition Front. The two journalists are required to appear in
court on 26 February to answer to charges stemming from several articles
which appeared in the 5 February 1997 edition of “Al Wahda”, and which were
critical of the Djibouti leadership.
Without commenting on the merit of these cases, RSF recalls that Djibouti
ratified the African Charter for Human Rights, article 9 of which guarantees
freedom of expression and information.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to authorities:
Farah and Kamil Hassan
if their detention is directly linked to the exercise of their profession as
journalists
fair trials
Appeals To
Monsieur Hassan Gouled Aptidon
President of the Republic
Presidential Palace
Djibouti
Fax: +253 355049
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
