Media freedom advocates are raising urgent concerns over the prolonged judicial supervision of 73-year-old Togolese journalist and publisher Apollinaire Mewenemesse, warning that the case is chilling independent journalism across the West African nation.
Mewenemesse, a veteran publisher of a weekly newspaper, has remained under strict legal restrictions following an article published in February 2024 that touched on sensitive government officials. Over two years later, his case has failed to advance through Togolese courts, effectively subjecting him to indefinite restrictions on his movement, liberty, and professional work without a final verdict.
Speaking to Mpho Sithole on Africa World Hour, William Oloo Janak, Secretary General of the Congress of African Journalists, criticised the lack of progress and independence within the judicial process, arguing that disproportionate legal measures are being weaponised to punish investigative reporting rather than facilitate justice.
The ongoing restrictions have created widespread self-censorship among local media houses, with several reporters fleeing to neighboring countries out of fear of state crackdowns.
Advocacy groups are calling on Togolese authorities to expedite Mewenemesse’s case, respect press freedom, and review restrictive media legislation to ensure journalists can report on public interest matters without fear of judicial harassment.
–ChannelAfrica–
