“It is regrettable that the Chadian government continues its logic of repression of independent journalism,” said Gabriel Baglo, the Director of IFJ Africa office. “We protest against the expulsion of Sonia Rolley and we call on the Chadian authorities to end their fight against the media and journalists who report on the conflict in the country.”
Sonia Rolley, correspondent for Radio France Internationale and Agence France Presse, was forced to leave the country on Thursday after the government withdrew her work permit. Rolley’s press accreditation was withdrawn definitely a few days earlier without explanation.
Despite the lifting of the state of emergency on March 15, at least 10 journalists and newspapers directors remain outside the country or in hiding in fear for their lives.
During the state of emergency President Idriss Deby Itno signed a decree to harden the law on the media, increasing jail terms for press libel and increasing government censorship.
The IFJ renews its call on the Chadian authorities to withdraw this decree.
This week the editors of some media outlets decided to resume operation after they suspended publication in protest against the draconian measures. The state of emergency restricted media coverage and private newspapers were subject to preliminary approval by government officials before publication.
For further information contact the IFJ: +221 33 842 01 43
The IFJ represents over 600,000 journalists in 120 countries
Sonia Rolley, correspondent for Radio France Internationale and Agence France Presse, was forced to leave the country on Thursday after the government withdrew her work permit. Rolley’s press accreditation was withdrawn definitely a few days earlier without explanation.
Despite the lifting of the state of emergency on March 15, at least 10 journalists and newspapers directors remain outside the country or in hiding in fear for their lives.
During the state of emergency President Idriss Deby Itno signed a decree to harden the law on the media, increasing jail terms for press libel and increasing government censorship.
The IFJ renews its call on the Chadian authorities to withdraw this decree.
This week the editors of some media outlets decided to resume operation after they suspended publication in protest against the draconian measures. The state of emergency restricted media coverage and private newspapers were subject to preliminary approval by government officials before publication.
For further information contact the IFJ: +221 33 842 01 43
The IFJ represents over 600,000 journalists in 120 countries