International

Congolese Journalist Arrested for Questioning Military Intelligence’s Possible Involvement in Murder

Congolese journalist Mariona Sanz Bujakera, director of Actualités.cd and correspondent for Reuters and French magazine Jeune Afrique, was arrested on September 8th at Kinshasa airport. After spending three days in police custody, he was formally detained on September 11th. Bujakera’s telephones and laptop were confiscated during the arrest.

The arrest of Bujakera is related to an article published in Jeune Afrique on August 31st. The article discussed the murder of former transport minister Chérubin Okende Senga, who was the spokesman of an opposition party. The story raised questions about the possible involvement of military intelligence in the murder.

In April 2023, the Congolese authorities implemented a new press law and digital code that criminalizes the sharing of information considered “false.” However, since the article in question was signed by “News Staff” and did not carry Bujakera’s byline, he cannot legally be held responsible for its content according to the April law.

Press freedom organization WAN-IFRA has called for the immediate release of Bujakera and for all charges against him to be dropped. They also urge the swift reform of laws in the Democratic Republic of Congo to prevent the criminalization of journalism and the harassment of journalists and news organizations.

It is expected that pressure on journalists and the media will continue to increase in the lead-up to the presidential and general elections scheduled for December. Organizations such as RSF and CPJ have documented cases of Congolese reporters facing physical and verbal attacks at political events, as well as threats of legal action.

 

Author: CrimeDoor

CrimeDoor

Share
Published by
CrimeDoor

Recent Posts

Wrong-Way Driver Nearly Strikes Vice President Kamala Harris’ Motorcade in Milwaukee

A shocking incident unfolded in Milwaukee on Monday night as a wrong-way driver, suspected to…

4 months ago

Moldova on High Alert as Cash Smuggling Operation Threatens Election Integrity

Moldova is facing a critical moment as the country prepares for two key votes this…

4 months ago

Unidentified Suspect Sought by NYPD After Stabbing Brooklyn Subway Rider in the Eye

The New York City Police Department (NYPD) is actively searching for an unidentified suspect who…

4 months ago

Rosie O’Donnell’s Grandson Found in Meth-Filled Wisconsin House, Daughter Arrested for Child Neglect and Drug Possession

Rosie O'Donnell's infant grandson was discovered living in a squalid Wisconsin residence, filled with drug…

4 months ago

Hamas Leader Yahya Sinwar Found Dead in Hideout Tunnel

Hamas Leader Yahya Sinwar Found Dead in Hideout Tunnel In a significant development in the…

4 months ago

Colorado Supreme Court Rejects Request to Postpone Disbarment of District Attorney Linda Stanley

The Colorado Supreme Court has denied a request from 11th Judicial District Attorney Linda Stanley…

4 months ago