The Superior Council for Audiovisual and Communication (CSAC) held a plenary session on Friday May 26, 2023 to reassess the precautionary measures taken on May 22 against the television channel CML13TV, the host of the special edition “Free Opinion” and its guests.
At the end of the debates, which were stormy, the senior advisers decided to reduce the number of days of suspension of the chain from 45 to 30 days. Regarding the facilitator, the days of suspension have increased from 72 to 90 days. MPs Daniel Safu and Mike Mukebayi, guests of the show, have meanwhile received a 90-day embargo on media broadcasting in Kinshasa.
In a press release published on May 22, the CSAC had regretted the “desolate spectacle” broadcast on Saturday May 20 by the CML13TV channel which earned these sanctions. For a period of 45 days, the signal of the chain was suspended, as well as the suspension of passage in all the media of the DRC for a period of 72 days with the possibility of possible disciplinary actions for the presenter of the program, Louis -France Kuzikesa.
The CSAC criticized the media performance of Louis-France Kuzikesa, whom it accuses of having conveyed hate speech and remarks tending to incite violence against a tribe and personal attacks. As for MPs Safu and Mukebayi, they were sanctioned for their “deliberate desire to jeopardize national cohesion”.
The Superior council of audio-visual and communication requested the collaboration of the media to ensure the strict application of these measures. He also recommended that disciplinary actions be initiated by the relevant parliamentary chambers to discourage delinquency in the media.
This case once again raises the question of freedom of the press in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the sanctions that are taken in the event of speeches or acts fueling hatred and violence. The strengthening of professional practices and the means made available to journalists could contribute to improving the quality of journalistic productions and the confidence of the population.