May 14, 2006
Posted: June 9, 2006
Dupont Ntererwa, Centre Lokole
ATTACKED
Ntererwa, a journalist with the Centre Lokole radio production studio in Bukavu, eastern DRC, was attacked by four youths in civilian clothes, who threatened him over his reporting on insecurity in the town, the studio said in a press release. The journalist told CPJ he was beaten, and hit with clubs as he was going to visit a relative. Ntererwa said he was badly cut and bruised and had received medical treatment. One suspect was arrested following the attack.
The attackers, believed to be members of a group called the Red Army (“Armée Rouge”), told Ntererwa: “You are always talking about the Red Army… Now you are going to see the Red Army!” according to the press release. Lena Slachmuijlder, director of the Centre Lokole, told CPJ that the Red Army is a group of armed bandits that have been accused of criminal acts in Bukavu in recent months. They are believed to be linked to demobilized soldiers.
The Centre Lokole is an initiative of the U.S.-based nongovernmental organization Search for Common Ground. It produces programs on current events and conflict prevention issues which are broadcast on local radio stations.