The Observation of Press Freedom in Africa (OLPA), an NGO defending and promoting press freedom, have noted the release of journalist Nicolas Adiumi Kayembe of Maendeleo radio and television station in Gety located 60 km from Bunia, Ituri Province of northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Kayembe was released on Friday February 3, 2024, after 72 hours of custody at the Congolese National Police (PNC/Gety) cell and after payment of a fine of 54,000 Congolese francs (equivalent to US$20).
As a reminder, the journalist was arrested on January 31, 2024, by the local police at the request of Mr. Fidel Bangajuma, new customary chief of the Walendu Bindi chiefdom, while he was on his way to his editorial office.
He was taken to the police office where he was fined by a Judicial Police Officer (OPJ) who accused him of defamation.
Kayembe is accused of defamation for granting an interview to Olivier Peke Kaliaki, an honorary customary chief of Walendu Bindi who questioned the legitimacy of Mr. Fidel Bangajuma owing to a lack of an official handover and recovery ceremony following during the broadcast, on January 18, 2024, on the Maendeleo radio and television channels.
While taking note of this release, OLPA nevertheless condemns the unjustified incarceration of a journalist which seriously undermines press freedom guaranteed by Congolese legislation and international legal instruments relating to human rights.
Therefore, OLPA urges the customary authorities of Ituri to refrain from acts that threaten press freedom.
