Title: Grandpa Okito Teme detained by the National Intelligence Agency (ANR): a new act of repression against press freedom
Introduction :
In a new act of repression against press freedom, Papy Okito Teme, publisher of the newspaper “Écho d’Opinion” in Goma in North Kivu, has been detained since Friday September 15 by the National Intelligence Agency (ANR) . This arrest, which occurred at Goma international airport, raises many questions as to the reasons and duration of this detention. This episode adds to a long list of attacks against journalists and reinforces concerns about freedom of expression in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
An act of arrest without reason or explanation:
Grandpa Okito Teme was arrested by the Republican Guard while he was dropping off mail at Goma international airport. Since then, he has been detained in ANR facilities without any reason for his arrest being communicated to him, his relatives, or journalists. The intelligence services claim to be carrying out investigations but have not given further details on the situation. This opacity fuels concerns about respect for fundamental rights and freedom of the press in the country.
A series of arrests targeting journalists:
The arrest of Papy Okito Teme is part of a broader context of repression against journalists in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In Kinshasa, journalist Stanis Bujakera, deputy publishing director of the media ACTUALITE.CD and correspondent for Jeune Afrique, was also arrested in a similar manner at N’djili international airport. He is currently detained at Makala Central Prison. These arrests, without clear reasons, raise serious concerns about press freedom in the country.
Concern about the deprivation of freedom of the press:
Faced with these arbitrary detentions and the lack of explanations, the organization Journalist in Danger (JED) expresses its concern about respect for press freedom in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This deprivation of liberty, which has lasted for more than 48 hours for Papy Okito Teme, raises serious questions about journalistic work in the city of Goma. It is essential to protect freedom of expression and ensure the safety of journalists in the country.
Conclusion :
The arrest of Papy Okito Teme, publisher of the newspaper “Écho d’Opinion”, is a new act of repression against press freedom in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In a context where many journalists are targeted and imprisoned without clear reasons, it is essential to defend freedom of expression and guarantee the safety of media professionals. The international community must remain vigilant and exert pressure so that the truth about these arrests is revealed and that press freedom is respected in the country.