The African Association for Human Rights (ASADHO) recently posted its request for the release of journalist Stanis Bujakera, deputy publishing director of the news site nouvelle.cd and correspondent for Jeune Afrique. This statement was made during a press conference in Kinshasa by the coordinator of the citizen organization, Jean-Claude Katende.
According to Jean-Claude Katende, ASADHO bases its request for release on several elements. First of all, he emphasizes that the person who filed a complaint against Stanis Bujakera did not exercise his right of reply, which calls into question the legitimacy of the accusation. Furthermore, the incriminated article from Jeune Afrique is not signed and cannot therefore be attributed to Stanis Bujakera.
More generally, Jean-Claude Katende raises issues related to press freedom in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). He explains that justice is asking Stanis Bujakera to reveal his sources of information, which goes against the law which protects the secrecy of journalists’ sources. Therefore, this request does not comply with press freedom legislation.
As a reminder, Stanis Bujakera is accused of offenses such as forgery, falsification of state seals, propagation of false rumors and transmission of erroneous messages contrary to the law, in relation to the murder of the deputy Cherub Okende.
This request for the release of Stanis Bujakera from ASADHO highlights the issues surrounding press freedom in the DRC. It is crucial to respect the rights of journalists and guarantee their protection to ensure free and independent information. The release of Stanis Bujakera would be a positive step in this direction.