Togo: Broadcast media forbidden to let public express views on the air

'Reporters Without Borders condemns an order issued by the High Council for Broadcasting and Communication (HAAC) on 17 April banning all radio and TV programmes in which the public is allowed to express its views. The ban, prompted by comments made on the air about the president's brother arrest on 15 April, is to remain in force until further notice. This is a dangerous decision that seems designed to gag the media at a time of political instability, Reporters Without Borders said. If allowing the public to speak on the air has led to excesses, a regulatory body should encourage efforts to moderate them rather ban these programmes outright. We urge the HAAC to allow Togo's broadcast media to resume normal programming.'

URL Link: http://www.rsf.org/article.php3?id_article=30866

Author Organisation: reporters without borders