PRESS RELEASE/ALERT - DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

14 June 2004

JED denounces latest government efforts to silence the press

SOURCE: Journaliste en danger (JED), Kinshasa

(JED/IFEX) - The following is a JED press release:

Journaliste en danger denounces efforts to silence the press

Kinshasa, 14 June 2004

Journaliste en danger (JED) has learned that the Ministry of Press and
Information issued a directive, on 12 June 2004, warning the Congolese press
to "respect editorial guidelines to the letter during this period of
crisis."

"During this period of disturbing events (the situation in Bukavu, the
failed coup d'etat in Kinshasa), the handling of news is of great strategic
importance and is linked to the defence and internal security of the state,"
cautioned Press and Information Minister Vital Kamerhe.

The minister concluded by warning, "News outlets that publish biased
reports, including statements inciting hatred or civil disobedience,
declarations that may have a demoralising effect on the Congolese Armed
Forces or that present these unfortunate events in an impertinent fashion (.
. .) will be punished to the full extent of the law."

JED is concerned over the thinly-veiled threats in the ministerial directive
and denounces the government's repeated efforts to silence the press or
impose an editorial line on press organs whose independence and
professionalism disturb the authorities.

JED notes that a state of emergency has not been declared in the Democratic
Republic of Congo (DRC), and that ministerial directives must therefore not
contravene Articles 27, 28 et 29 of the transitional constitution, which
guarantee press freedom.

Such ministerial directives must also fully respect Article 19 of the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on
Civil and Political Rights, to which the DRC is a party.

For further information, contact D. M'Baya Tshimanga, president, Journaliste
en danger (JED), B.P. 633 Kinshasa 1, Democratic Republic of Congo, tel:
+243 99 29 323/+243 81513 05 85, fax: +243 88 01 625, e-mail:
[email protected], [email protected], Internet:
http://www.jed-congo.org

The information contained in this press release/alert is the sole
responsibility of JED. In citing this material for broadcast or publication,
please credit JED.
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