CPJ calls for release of jailed journalists

The New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has called for the release of two Kinshasa journalists held and charged with high treason against the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). In letter to President Laurent-Desire Kabila, dated 30 August, the CPJ raised concerns for the welfare of newspaper editors Emile-Aime Kakekese Vinalu of ‘Le Carrousel’ and Jean-Pierre Ekanga Mukana of ‘La Tribune’. Prosecution arose from two articles that Vinalu published in the 20 June edition of the ‘Le Carrousel’. In one article, Vinalu denounced the lack of cooperation among various DRC opposition movements, charging that free speech was impossible in the DRC because “to dare speak one’s mind is a sure guarantee that one will be accused of endangering state security.” The second piece “speculated” on possible reasons for a recent public confrontation between the president and former Minister of Mineral Resources Victor M’Poyo who was subsequently removed from the post. Vinalu was arrested on 24 June. Ekanga Mukana was arrested on 23 July after he allegedly refused to tell police where Vinalu lived. He was released on 10 July, but later rearrested on 17 August after he appeared in court to testify on Vinalu’s behalf. According to the CPJ, both journalists have been charged with high treason and face the death penalty if convicted. In the letter, the CPJ accused Kabila’s government of having “the worst press freedom of any country in Africa.” It went on to say that “more than 130 journalists and media workers have been harassed, beaten, arbitrarily imprisoned, or forced into exile” since Kabila assumed power in 1997.