By Politico Staff Writer
At least nine journalists in Guinea were arrested, after raids on their offices by the security forces in the capital Conakry on 18th January, 2024.
The raids, at the Maison de la Presse, took place during a rally organised by the Syndicat de Professionnels de la Presse de Guinea (SPPG) to protest against media restrictions.
“Authorities have imposed restrictions on non-official media, with social media networks and private radio stations cut off, news websites interrupted or suspended and journalists assaulted and arrested,” AFP reported.
On 18 January this year, two police vehicles reportedly arrived at the rally and blocked the entrance of the Maison de la Presse and forcefully arrested nine journalists who were later released that evening. The Secretary General of the SPPG, Sekou Jamal Pendessa, was arrested the day after and reported indicated that at least five journalists are still believed to be in custody.
These events of the arrests follow a strong warning issued on 17th January, on national television by the Minister of Territorial Administration, Mory Conde expressing the government’s determination “to put individuals out of action and to prosecute perpetrators and sponsors of any acts of violence that may occur, following the call for demonstrations.”
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) condemns in the strongest possible terms the highhanded nature of the security forces against the journalists and media workers and the continuing deterioration of press freedom in Guinea.
The Press Association, in a statement issued on Sunday, condemned any attack on the physical integrity of a journalist and demanded the unconditional release of journalists detained or prosecuted. The Press Association also called for restraint with a view to a peaceful resolution of the situation in the Guinea media outlets affected by jamming and restrictions.
IFJ General Secretary, Anthony Bellanger, said: “The recent arrest of our colleagues in Guinea is a flagrant violation of the right to freedom of association and the freedom of expression. The rally at the Maison de la Presse was peaceful and there was no need for a show of force. It was a pure act of intimidation with all the hallmarks of repression.”
The IFJ calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all journalists arrested in this unfortunate incident and that the Guinean authorities allow the media to execute its duties in the public interest without any form of intimidation.
Army Colonel Mamady Doumbouya on the 5th September 2021 overthrew the civilian government of President Alpha Conde. Since the coup, there have been increasing calls from civil society for a return to constitutional rule.
Copyright © 2024 Politico (24/01/24)
