The case of journalist Stanis Bujakera, detained for more than 6 months at the Makala central prison in Kinshasa-Gombe, continues to attract the attention of the media and international organizations. As the High Court prepares to deliver its verdict on March 20, five embassies of EU member countries and Canada recently called for a “fair and equitable” trial for the journalist.
The Coalition for Media Freedom, bringing together the diplomatic representations of Germany, France, Norway, Canada, the Netherlands and Switzerland, spoke jointly to express their concerns and their support for freedom of press. They stressed the importance of respecting national and international law in ongoing legal proceedings.
Stanis Bujakera, deputy publication director of ACTUALITE.CD, is accused of “propagation of false rumors, falsification and use of forgeries, and distribution of false documents” following an article published by Jeune Afrique concerning the death of the former national deputy , Cherub Okende.
The public prosecutor requested 20 years in prison during the recent hearing, but the outcome of the trial remains uncertain. The mobilization of embassies and international organizations highlights the importance of guaranteeing a fair and transparent trial for the journalist.
This case once again highlights the challenges that media professionals face in the exercise of their profession, and highlights the importance of supporting press freedom in all its forms.
While awaiting the final verdict, it is crucial to remain attentive to developments in this case and to continue to defend the rights of journalists to inform freely.
To delve deeper into the subject, here are some articles already published on our blog:
– “The challenges of press freedom in Africa”: [link to the article]
– “Journalists’ challenges facing censorship”: [link to article]
– “The impact of the media on modern society”: [link to the article]
Stay informed and get involved in supporting a free and independent press.