DRC journalists Patrick Lokala, Érasme Kasongo arrested, questioned over reporting
Kinshasa, October 9, 2024—The Committee to Protect Journalists calls on authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to release journalist Patrick Lokala, and drop all legal proceedings against him and another reporter, Érasme Kasongo Kalenga, following their separate arrests on Monday, October 7. “Authorities in the DRC should swiftly and unconditionally release Patrick Lokala…
2 DRC reporters threatened by province officials after airing critical reports
Kinshasa, August 22, 2024—The Committee to Protect Journalists urges the authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to ensure the safety and freedom of two journalists — Radio Tokomi Wapi reporter Martin Kasongo and Top Lomami radio reporter Michaël Tenende — after local officials in the south-central Lomami province threatened them in separate…
Church members assault DRC journalists Néhémie Paluku and Esaïe Mbusa
Kinshasa, June 17, 2024—Authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo should ensure a credible investigation into the June 3 assaults on reporters Esaïe Mbusa and Néhémie Paluku, the Committee to Protect Journalists said on Monday. Around a dozen people assaulted Mbusa and Paluku at a local church in Mambasa territory, in the country’s northeast…
Journalist Tatiana Osango assaulted after interview criticizing DRC president
Kinshasa, June 12, 2024—Authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo should impartially investigate the June 5 assault of broadcast journalist Tatiana Osango and ensure those responsible are held to account, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Wednesday. Seven men used glass bottles to hit Osango, a reporter who presents a political program on the…
DRC regulator suspends Bosolo TV program over election commentary
On May 15, 2024, the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s media regulator, the Superior Audiovisual and Communications Council, known by its French acronym CSAC, ordered the privately owned Bosolo TV station to suspend its “Bosolo Na Politik Officielle” program for a month, according to a CSAC video statement posted on X, formerly Twitter, and media reports. According to…
DRC soldiers threaten to kill journalist Parfait Katoto over broadcasts
Kinshasa, May 15, 2024 – Congolese authorities should take swift and comprehensive actions to investigate all threats against journalist and Radio Communautaire Amkeni Biakato (RCAB) director Parfait Katoto, ensure his safety, and hold those responsible to account, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Wednesday. On May 3, 2024, three armed soldiers with the DRC military arrived at…
DRC journalist Blaise Mabala freed after 4 months in jail over insult to governor
Kinshasa, May 10, 2024 — The Committee to Protect Journalists welcomes the acquittal and release of journalist Blaise Mabala after more than four months in detention and calls for authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to swiftly reform their laws to prevent the criminal prosecution of journalists for their work. “The acquittal and…
Prosecutor requests 15-month sentence for jailed DRC journalist Blaise Mabala
Kinshasa, April 22, 2024— Ahead of a court decision expected on Saturday in the prosecution of radio journalist Blaise Mabala, the Committee to Protect Journalist is alarmed that prosecutors in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have asked that he be sentenced to 15 months in prison and urges authorities to stop criminalizing the work…
CPJ welcomes release of DRC journalist Stanis Bujakera, calls for release of Blaise Mabala
Kinshasa, March 19, 2024—The Committee to Protect Journalists welcomes the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s release of journalist Stanis Bujakera Tshiamala, but is alarmed by his six-month prison sentence and fine of 1 million Congolese francs (US$400) and the ongoing detention of journalist Blaise Mabala, who has been in custody since December. After more than…
Ahead of expected verdict, CPJ calls prosecution of DRC journalist Stanis Bujakera ‘outrageous’
New York, March 14, 2024—Ahead of an expected verdict in the prosecution of Congolese journalist Stanis Bujakera Tshiamala on March 20 and in light of recent testimony presented by the court’s technical expert on March 8, the Committee to Protect Journalists issued the following statement on Thursday. “The prosecution of journalist Stanis Bujakera has been…