Cameroon
2005
Attacks on the Press 2004: Africa Analysis
Overviewby Julia Crawford With the rule of law weak in many African countries, journalists regularly battle threats and harassment, not only from governments but also from rogue elements, such as militias. Repressive legislation is used in many countries to silence journalists who write about sensitive topics such as corruption, mismanagement, and human rights abuses. If…
Attacks on the Press 2004: Cameroon
Cameroon President Paul Biya, who has been in power for 22 years, won another seven-year term in October elections marked by allegations of fraud. Because opposition groups remained weak and fragmented, Biya’s ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement felt little need to campaign. The polling date was not set until mid-September, and Biya waited another five…
Response from the Embassy of the Republic of Cameroon
Dear Mrs. Cooper, We hereby acknowledge receipt of your letter of January 14, 2005 addressed to His Excellency Ambassador Jerome MENDOUGA, regarding Mr. Eric Wirkwa Tayu, publisher of a private newspaper in Cameroon. Mr. Tayu, you claim, “has been in prison since July 28, 2004 when he was convicted of defaming Kumbo’s mayor, Donatus Njong Fonyuy….”
CPJ calls for release of jailed publication director
Your Excellency: The Committee to Protect Journalists is deeply troubled by the recent jailing of Jules Koum Koum, publication director of the private bimonthly Le Jeune Observateur, on criminal defamation charges. Two journalists are now imprisoned in Cameroon for their work.
CAMEROON
JANUARY 10, 2005 Updated: February 15, 2005 Jules Koum Koum, Le Jeune Observateur LEGAL ACTION, IMPRISONED Jules Koum Koum, publication director of the private bimonthly Le Jeune Observateur, was sentenced to six months in prison for allegedly defaming the CPA insurance company in an article published in February 2004.