In reminiscence of our two colleagues from RFI, Ghislaine Dupont and Claude Verlon, assassinated on November 2, 2013 in Mali, the UN has set November 2 because the Worldwide Day to Finish Impunity for Crimes Towards Journalists. A theme that’s present in a rustic like Cameroon, the place this 12 months was marked by the announcement in June final 12 months of the demise of journalist Samuel Wazizi.
This native TV presenter in Buea, within the English-speaking southwestern area, was arrested 9 months earlier, on August 2, 2019, accused of complicity within the English-speaking rioters. June 5, 2020 Ministry of Protection acknowledges that Samuel Wazizi is lifeless on August 17, 2019, two weeks after his arrest. He’s mentioned to have died of a widespread an infection. “He was not subjected to any torture or bodily hurt,” then assures the communications chief of the ministry, who additionally claims the household had been knowledgeable.
This message revived questions and controversies removed from mild hearts. Why was the journalist saved secret exterior the authorized framework? if the household was warned, why do his attorneys on 14 events ask the courts for launch. Above all, did Samuel Wazizi die of sepsis, or was he tortured?
“These are reliable suspicions“, Explains a Cameroonian journalist, shocked that the investigation ordered by the top of state has not but been accomplished. An investigation that’s “not impartial” regrets for its half one of many attorneys from the grasp household Emmanuel Nkea. To today, Samuel Wazizi’s physique has not been returned to the household.
We thought he was in custody someplace.
Denis Nkwebo, President of the Nationwide Union of Journalists of Cameroon (Snjc)
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