The Online News Media Association of the DRC (MILRDC) recently published a press release in which it expressed its deep concern regarding the arrest of journalist Stanis Bujakera Tshiamala. According to his lawyer, he was interviewed by the commission responsible for investigating the murder of MP Chérubin Okende Senga. The accusations against him would be the “spreading of false rumors” and the “dissemination of false information” linked to a report attributed to the National Intelligence Agency (ANR) on the disappearance of the deputy, and used in an article by Jeune Afrique .
However, the MILRDC recalls that Stanis Bujakera is not the author of this article, and emphasizes that, according to the law, in the absence of a signature, it is the publication director who is held responsible for the published content. . Thus, the absence of questioning or contact with the media concerned in this matter is considered surprising by the association.
Faced with this situation, the MILRDC calls on the competent authorities to immediately release Stanis Bujakera and put an end to what appears to be harassment against him. It insists on respect for the fundamental rights of journalists, such as their right to inform and their freedom to come and go.
This arrest caused deep consternation within the DRC’s online news media community. Stanis Bujakera, correspondent for Jeune Afrique in Kinshasa and deputy publishing director of the online media Actualite.cd, was arrested on September 8 at N’Djili airport as he was preparing to take a flight to Lubumbashi as part of a professional stay.
This case raises questions about press freedom in the DRC and highlights the challenges journalists face in the exercise of their profession. It is essential to guarantee an environment favorable to freedom of expression and to allow journalists to work without fear of reprisals.
The MILRDC therefore calls on the authorities to demonstrate transparency in this matter and to respect the fundamental rights and freedoms of Stanis Bujakera. Freedom of the press is an essential pillar of any democracy, and it is essential to protect and promote this fundamental right.
In conclusion, it is crucial that journalists can exercise their profession freely and safely. The arrests and harassment against them only undermine press freedom and hinder the public’s right to free and pluralistic information. The MILRDC will continue to defend the rights of journalists online in the DRC and denounce any attack on their freedom of expression.