Four weeks after his arrest at Kinshasa airport, the lawyers of Congolese journalist Stanis Bujakera held a press conference to denounce his detention as illegal. Accused of falsifying official documents and spreading false information, Bujakera has been detained for longer than the period initially planned by the courts.
The case dates back to the publication of an article in Jeune Afrique, in which Bujakera does not appear as an author. The article mentions a confidential note attributed to the Congolese National Intelligence Agency, concerning the death of an opposition deputy. Congolese authorities have disputed the authenticity of the note, but Bujakera’s lawyers argue that their client cannot be held responsible for its contents.
Bujakera’s prolonged detention has sparked mobilization from numerous organizations and personalities who are calling for his release. The lawyers emphasize that their client has no intention of evading justice and that a provisional release would not harm the progress of the investigation.
It is important to emphasize that Bujakera’s prolonged detention raises questions about respect for the rule of law and press freedom in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Journalists must be able to carry out their work independently and without intimidation. The Congolese authorities must guarantee media freedom and allow Bujakera to face the charges against him under legal and fair conditions.
In conclusion, the prolonged detention of Stanis Bujakera is an attack on press freedom and human rights in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is essential that the Congolese authorities respect the rule of law and allow Bujakera to receive a fair trial. The organizations and individuals mobilized in favor of his release are an example of solidarity towards an unjustly detained information professional. The fight for press freedom must continue unabated.