(WAN/IFEX) – The following is a 22 December 1998 WAN press release: Paris, 22 December 1998 For immediate release WAN Calls for Investigation into African Journalists’ Death The World Association of Newspapers (WAN) has called for an investigation into the death of Norbert Zongo, Chief Editor of Burkina Faso’s private weekly L’Indépendent and head of […]
(WAN/IFEX) – The following is a 22 December 1998 WAN press release:
Paris, 22 December 1998
For immediate release
WAN Calls for Investigation into African Journalists’ Death
The World Association of Newspapers (WAN) has called for an investigation
into the death of Norbert Zongo, Chief Editor of Burkina Faso’s private
weekly L’Indépendent and head of the country’s Private Press Editors’
Company.
Mr Zongo, whose pen name was Henri Sebgo and who was known for his strong
criticism of the government, was killed earlier this month on the road
outside the capital Ouagadougou. The journalist, his brother, his chauffeur
and one other person had been burned to death inside their vehicle and the
rear door was pierced by several holes which could have been caused by
bullets.
In a letter to Minister of Justice Larba Yarga, the Paris-based WAN called
for an investigation into the death of Mr Zongo. “We believe that this would
be an important step in demonstrating to the people of Burkina Faso, and to
international observers, that your government is committed to fostering a
free press,” the letter said.
Several other human rights and press freedom groups have also called for an
investigation.
WAN, the global association of the newspaper industry, defends and promotes
press freedom world-wide. Its members include 57 national newspaper
publisher associations, individual newspaper executives in 90 countries, 17
news agencies and seven regional press organizations. It represents 15,000
newspapers.
