The mobilization in favor of the release of journalist Stanis Bujakera continues to gain momentum. The #FreeStanis support committee recently organized a press conference in Brussels, Belgium, in the presence of the Association of Professional Journalists (AJP) and French-speaking Amnesty International Belgium.
During this conference, the members of the support committee expressed their request for the provisional release of Stanis Bujakera, stressing that there was no serious element which proved his guilt. They also stressed that his release would allow him to appear as a free man.
Several personalities spoke at this event, including Patient Ligodi, publishing director of Actualite.cd, François Soudan, editorial director of Jeune Afrique, Henri Thulliez, lawyer for Stanis, Jimmy Kande, investigator and member of the Congo n network. It’s not for sale, as is François from the AJP.
François Soudan highlighted the injustice of the prolonged detention of Stanis Bujakera, affirming that he had not committed any crime. He also shared a conversation he had with the President of the Republic Félix Tshisekedi, where the latter reportedly explained that Stanis’ detention was not his fault, but that he faced obstacles to his release. .
Patient Ligodi took the floor to review the charges against Stanis, noting certain weaknesses in these accusations. He stressed that respect for adversarial procedures was essential and pleaded for Stanis’ provisional release.
Jimmy Kande recalled that Stanis’ case was not isolated and stressed the need to protect journalists and whistleblowers. He denounced the intimidation and threats against their work.
François of the AJP insisted on the importance of the secrecy of sources to guarantee independent information, and denounced any pressure aimed at revealing these sources.
This press conference highlighted the growing mobilization in favor of the release of Stanis Bujakera, and underlined the importance of preserving press freedom and the protection of journalists in the exercise of their profession. Efforts continue to achieve justice and restore freedom for Stanis and other journalists facing similar situations.