Press freedom watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has condemned the arbitrary detention of prominent Malian journalist Chahana Takiou, calling for his immediate release.

Takiou, the Publishing Director of the biweekly newspaper 22 Septembre, was remanded in custody early this week after appearing before Mali’s cybercrime unit. He is being prosecuted for “undermining the credibility of the state” after publicly criticizing the country’s military-led government during the recent Pan-African Media Forum.

RSF argues the charges are directly tied to Takiou exercising his right to free expression, warning that the case signals a dangerous escalation in the crackdown on independent media under the current military authorities.

Sadibou Marong, RSF’s sub-Saharan Africa director, stated that the detention reflects a growing pattern of intimidation against the press in Mali. He urged the authorities to uphold press freedom and ensure journalists can report without the constant fear of arrest.

–ChannelAfrica–