IFJ urges end to suspension of interactive broadcasts in Togo

“This decision is unacceptable and represents an attempt to prevent the local press from reporting on recent allegations of a coup d'état," declared Gabriel Baglo, Director of IFJ Africa Office. “This is a grave violation on the freedom of expression.”

On Friday, April 17 2009, the HAAC announced its decision to suspend, until further notice, all interactive emissions on the radio and television stations.

On 13 April, the Togolese army launched an attack on the residence of Kpatcha Gnassingbé, former Minister of Defense and half-brother of the Head of State, Faure Gnassingbé. M. Kpatcha was arrested on 15 April in Lome and accused of “plotting” and “attempting” to overthrow the government.

In a short televised speech, President Faure Gnassingbé denounced the attempted “coup d'etat”.

The Union of Independent Journalists of Togo (UJIT), the Togolese Observatory of Media (OTM) and the National Council of Press Editors of Togo (CONAPP) in an official statement denounced the suspension of the interactive emissions which constitutes a flagrant violation of the Constitution and the Press Code, according to the statement.

The IFJ calls on the authorities in Togo and the HAAC to end with immediate effect and unconditionally the suspension of broadcast emissions in the country and to restore the right to freedom of expression and press freedom.

Article published courtesy of IFJ.org