Title: Freedom of the press under threat in the DRC: The unjustified arrest of journalists in Kinshasa arouses indignation
Introduction :
Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, was the scene of an act that tarnishes press freedom in the country. On June 28, 2023, Jeef Ngoy, journalist at Radio Okapi, Marie-Louise Mbela, journalist and Giresse Nkelani, cameraman at the RTNC, were brutally arrested by elements of the Armed Forces of the DRC while exercising their profession. This unjustified act has aroused the indignation of the African Press Freedom Observatory (OLPA), which denounces a flagrant violation of press freedom and calls for exemplary sanctions against those responsible.
The course of the arrest:
While reporting on a legal dispute between an individual and the Ministry of Urban Planning and Housing in downtown Kinshasa, the journalists were forcibly taken into an army jeep by agents presented as intelligence military. They were then taken to the Demiap cell where they were subjected to intense interrogation and deprived of their liberty. In addition, their work equipment was seriously damaged.
The reaction of the OLPA:
OLPA, an organization for the defense and promotion of press freedom in Africa, vehemently condemned this illegal and abusive act. According to the OLPA, the arrest of journalists while they were in the exercise of their profession and the destruction of their working materials constitute a flagrant violation of the freedom of the press guaranteed by Congolese law and international legal instruments relating to human rights.
Call for exemplary sanctions:
Faced with this worrying situation, the OLPA called on the military authorities to take firm measures against those responsible for this illegitimate arrest. According to the OLPA, it is essential that exemplary sanctions are taken in order to deter such actions in the future and to protect freedom of the press in the DRC.
Conclusion :
The unjustified arrest of journalists in Kinshasa aroused great indignation on the part of the Observatory for Press Freedom in Africa. This act constitutes a violation of press freedom and endangers the work of journalists in the country. It is essential that measures are taken to guarantee the safety and freedom of journalists in the DRC, so that they can continue to exercise their profession in complete independence and with respect for fundamental rights.