Government warns press on "false" reporting

The Togolese government has broadcast a warning to journalists on Tuesday night that they should "abide" by the national press code or face the legal consequences. The broadcast, monitored by the BBC, said: "It has come to the notice of the government that for some time now, some sections of the independent press have been spreading false reports illustrated by photomontage and defamatory and insulting articles on peaceful citizens, national and international officials, as well as established institutions." The broadcast cited the case of a front-page report in a local newspaper carrying a picture of opposition activists alleged to have been tortured by the National Gendarmerie. "Subsequent investigations have proven the picture to be mere montage," it said.