The news of recent days highlights a worrying situation for press freedom in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Indeed, journalist Stanis Bujakera was arrested and is currently detained in alarming conditions. This affair arouses the indignation of several organizations defending freedom of expression and human rights, as well as numerous journalists.
The Rally of Journalists for the Emergence of Congo (RAJEC) joined these voices to demand the immediate and unconditional release of Stanis Bujakera. According to RAJEC spokesperson Edmond Izuba, the conditions of this journalist’s arrest violated the country’s laws, and his executioners are seeking at all costs to keep him in detention. He also denounces the judicial harassment of which Stanis Bujakera is a victim, as well as the attempt to force him to reveal his sources.
For RAJEC, this case reveals a growing persecution against journalists in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Despite the essential role of the press in this historic period that the country is going through, professional journalists and independent media face constant harassment, leading to the closure of many editorial offices. RAJEC emphasizes that the protection of journalistic sources is a fundamental principle of press freedom, and that forcing a journalist to reveal them is a violation of this fundamental right.
Faced with this alarming situation, RAJEC calls for solidarity from all and promises to organize large-scale demonstrations if the release of Stanis Bujakera is not quickly obtained.
It is essential to guarantee freedom of the press and the protection of journalists in any democratic society. The detention of Stanis Bujakera, in addition to being a violation of his rights, constitutes an attack on freedom of expression and democracy. It is crucial that the Congolese authorities take measures to guarantee the safety and freedom of journalists, so that they can exercise their profession in complete independence and thus contribute to an informed and enlightened society.