More calls for release of detained journalist

The International Press Insititute (IPI) and the British foreign office have joined calls by rights groups for the release of an Angolan journalist who has been held incommunicado since 16 October for allegedly defaming President Jose-Eduardo dos Santos.

In a letter to the president this week, the IPI director, Johann Fritz, said the detention of Rafel Marques of the newspaper, ‘Folha 8’, undermined democracy and stifled free debate and freedom of expression.

Meanwhile, the British Foreign Office Minister, Peter Hain, on 28 October said: “The right to criticise government is fundamental to a democratic society, even one whose fabric is strained by war. Britain attaches great importance to the freedom of operation of the independent media. If Angola wants to win the support of the international community then it must allow freedom of expression. Imprisoning journalists, like Raphael Marques, is most certainly not the way to do this. He should be released immediately.”