Six journalists from privately-owned Espace FM and Renaissance FM on August 27, 2012, were severely beaten by a group of men believed to be supporters of the ruling People’s Rally of Guinea (RPG). The journalists, Abdourahmane Diallo, Moussa Moise Sylla, Tissata Diakité from Espace FM and Ibrahima Sory Soumah, Mahamadou Alpha Baldé and David Toundoufeindouno from Renaissance FM respectively, sustained several bruises.
Moussa Moise Soumah who was seriously wounded received treatment at the hospital. According to the Media Foundation for West Africa’s (MFWA) correspondent, the attack on the journalists occurred when they were on their way to report on some opposition leaders who had being prevented by the police from demonstrating against the authorities in Matoto, a suburb of Conakry, the capital. On reaching Matoto, the vehicle conveying the journalists was stopped at a roadblock mounted by the militants, who smashed the car, dragged out the journalists and beat them with tree trunks and leather belts.
According to the correspondent, the attackers who threatened to kill the journalists should they come to the area again, also seized and destroyed the reporting equipment of the journalists. It took the intervention of the police to free the journalists from the militants. The MFWA is unhappy by this inhumane treatment and demands that the authorities investigate this incident and bring the culprits to book.
For more information please contact:
Kwame Karikari (Prof)
Executive Director
MFWA
Accra
Tel: 233-30-22 4 24 70
Fax: 233-302-22 10 84
Email: [email protected], [email protected]
Website: www.mediafound.org
