From: hrcoord@igc.apc.org (Human Rights Coordinator)
Newsgroups: soc.rights.human
Subject: Journalists in Togo
Date: 6 Oct 92 16:36:00 GMT
Nf-ID: #N:cdp:1476700593:000:3502
Nf-From: cdp.UUCP!hrcoord    Oct  6 09:36:00 1992


From: Human Rights Coordinator <hrcoord>
Subject: Journalists in Togo

/* Written 12:31 am  Oct  6, 1992 by ax:fip in cdp:ifj.safenet */


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International Freedom of Expression eXchange
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Date:   5 October 1992

	THREATS TO THE SAFETY OF TWO JOURNALISTS IN TOGO

According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, New York,
BERTIN KANGNI FOLY, the director of the independent weekly "La
Parole", was charged on September 11 with "publishing false
information likely to disturb public order" and "undermining the
honor of and respect for the president" under Articles 61 and 52,
respectively, of the 1990 Press Code.  The charges pertain to a
short article published in August 12 issue of "La Parole", which
suggests the President Eyadema is harboring and supporting the
leader of a mutinous group of the Beninese army.  Mr. Foly first
appeared in court on September 23 and his trial was adjourned
until October 7.  If convicted, he faces up to five years in
prison.

Mr. Foly has been in hiding since September 23, due to threats
since the article was published on August 12.  Reportedly, Mr.
Foly was threatened by Commander Djoua during a phone conversation
in early September.  On September 20, Mr. Foly was followed from
his home by unidentified individuals.  On the morning of September
23, seven vehicles were parked ouside Mr.  Foly's home, while
seven police officers searched for him, stating that they had come
to escort him to his court hearing so as to guarantee his safety.
They proceeded to search for him at his office.  Mr. Foly was not
home at the time.  On the evening of September 25, an Army truck
was parked near Mr. Foly's home for several hours.  Moreover, Mr.
Foly has received several anonymous death threats in writing and
over the phone at his home and office.

The second case, concerns the safety of GABRIEL KOMI AGAH,
director of "Forum Hebdo".  Reportedly, in late August, while Mr.
Agah was out of the country, he received a written request to
report to a police station for questioning.  No reason was given.
On the morning of September 4, about 30 police officers stormed
the newspaper's offices, searching for Mr. Agah.  The police
officers confiscated more than 2,000 copies of the newspaper and
detained seven employees for about four hours without charge.
Lieutenant Atti, who reportedly headed the search, warned one of
the employees that police might visit the newspaper's offices
again if Forum Hebdo continued to be published in Mr. Agah's
absence.  Forum Hebdo's journalists have since been producing the
newspaper at a clandestine location.

Send telexes, requesting that charges against Mr. Foly be dropped
immediately as they violate his right "to seek, receive, and
impart information", as guaranteed by Article 19 of the UDHR, and

also that the government take the necessary steps to ensure the
safety of Messrs. Foly and Agah.

Appeals should be sent to

His Excellency Gnassingbe Eyadema President of the Republic of
Togo Presidential Palace Lome, Togo

His Execellency Kokou Joseph Koffigoh Prime Minister Office of the
Prime Minister Lome, Togo

Aregba Polo Minister of Justice Ministry of Justice Lome, Togo

Telex # for presidential palace: 9862051