Title: Press freedom in danger: the incarceration of Stanys Bujakera sparks outrage
Introduction :
In a correspondence addressed to the Minister of Justice and Keeper of the Seals, the Observatory of Press Freedom in Africa (OLPA) expresses its deep dissatisfaction with the incarceration of Stanys Bujakera, journalist for the online media Actualite.cd and correspondent for the French and British media Jeune Afrique and Reuters. This detention deprives the journalist of his freedom and damages the image of the Democratic Republic of Congo in terms of respect for fundamental rights and freedoms. A case which highlights the issues of press freedom in the country.
Development :
Journalist Stanys Bujakera was arrested on September 8, 2023 at N’djili international airport by two police officers. Since then, he has been detained in the cells of the Kinshasa Provincial Police Station and the Kinshasa/Gombe High Court. This arrest follows the publication by Jeune Afrique of an article implicating Congolese military intelligence in the assassination of a national deputy and former minister of transport. Stanys Bujakera was charged with spreading false rumors, but many believe that this incarceration is an attack on press freedom.
Indeed, the OLPA considers that this detention is contrary to the provisions of Ordinance-Law No. 23/009 of March 13, 2023 on freedom of the press in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In addition, Stanys Bujakera has a known address in Kinshasa and could appear before the competent courts as a free man, thus excluding any risk of flight. The deprivation of freedom of the journalist only tarnishes the image of the country and calls into question respect for fundamental rights.
Conclusion :
The incarceration of Stanys Bujakera arouses strong indignation and highlights the difficulties encountered by journalists in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This case raises important questions regarding press freedom in the country and the need to protect the fundamental rights and freedoms of journalists. The OLPA therefore calls on the Minister of Justice and Keeper of the Seals for measures to be taken to guarantee the immediate release of Stanys Bujakera and thus preserve freedom of the press in the DRC.