Managing editor Koupessoua of the private, pro-opposition weekly Vouma La Mouche, has been in government custody on unspecified charges since his arrest on December 19, 2000. The journalist was arrested while covering a banned meeting of a dozen opposition parties at a stadium in the capital, Bangui. More than 70 demonstrators were also arrested. Opposition parties had called for a civil-disobedience movement starting December 19 to protest overdue salary payment in the public administration, including the state media.
In addition to his journalistic activities, Kopessoua is a union activist and the local representative for the African Workers Union.
Kopessoua was released on January 8, 2001.