As a violent political crisis continues to grip Ivory Coast, press freedom in the country is deteriorating, according to media reports. Journalists have been arrested, newspaper publication has been hindered and some foreign channels are not being broadcast.
Despite losing to Alassane Ouattara in elections in November, President Laurent Gbagbo has held on to power and this has created a split in national media. Foreign media coverage, especially that stemming from French sources, has been criticized by Gbagbo’s supporters with a state-owned radio station accusing the news channel France 24 of attempting to destabilize the country.
Over 10 foreign journalists have been arrested in the last month. Alassane Kanaté, a freelancer working for France 24 was arrested, held overnight, and reportedly assaulted in custody. Two other journalists working for Le Mandat, a newspaper opposing the president, were arrested and beaten before being let go. And the media has reported that French television crews were threatened with automatic rifles.
“IPI is gravely concerned at reports of the arrest, intimidation and assaulting of journalists,” said IPI Press Freedom Manager Anthony Mills. “We urge the authorities and army to ensure that journalists are free to report on the crisis without hindrance or threat.”