(RSF/IFEX) – In a letter to Jean Kouakou Brou, Minister of Justice and Human Rights, RSF reiterated its concern regarding the detention of two journalists from the daily “Le Populaire”. RSF asked that Raphaël Lakpé and Jean Khalil Sylla “be released.” Robert Ménard, RSF’s secretary general, also asked that “the legal proceedings end and that […]
(RSF/IFEX) – In a letter to Jean Kouakou Brou, Minister of Justice and Human
Rights, RSF reiterated its concern regarding the detention of two
journalists from the daily “Le Populaire”. RSF asked that Raphaël Lakpé and
Jean Khalil Sylla “be released.” Robert Ménard, RSF’s secretary general,
also asked that “the legal proceedings end and that the charges against them
be dropped.”
**Updates IFEX alerts of 10 June, 4 June and 2 June 1999**
According to information obtained by RSF, Lakpé, publication director for
“Le Populaire”, has been detained since 28 April 1999. He has been accused
of “distribution and disclosure of false news and disturbing the public
order.” Reporter Khalil Sylla has been in prison since 9 June on the same
charges. The two journalists are charged in connection with the publication
on 28 April of an article entitled “One student killed, four seriously
wounded”, which would have allegedly been behind confrontations which arose
between students and police. In actual fact, the most violent demonstrations
took place on the night of 27 April, before the incriminating article
appeared.
The sentence allowed by the Press law for “disturbing public order” is three
years in prison.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to the justice minister:
not
justified
are
released
dropped
Appeals To
Jean Kouakou Brou
Minister of Justice and Human Rights
Abidjan, Ivory Coast
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
