Togo Charges French Journalists Amid Concerns Over Press Freedom

Togo detains two French journalists for alleged false declarations, raising concerns over free speech and press freedom in the country.

Two French journalists have been charged with “false declarations” in Togo, despite having the appropriate documents to work in the country. Gaël Mocaër and Sebastian Perez Pezzani were detained on July 27 while filming a documentary in Kara, northern Togo, according to the media rights organization Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

France’s foreign ministry confirmed that the two men had been visited by French officials three times since their arrest. However, Togolese authorities have remained silent on the case. Rights groups have expressed alarm over the ongoing clampdown on free speech in Togo, pointing out that several foreign journalists have faced detention in recent years.

The circumstances surrounding Mocaër’s and Pezzani’s detainment have led to speculation that they may be used as leverage in negotiations with France. RSF stressed that both journalists were in full compliance with Togo’s administrative regulations and possessed the necessary authorizations for their work.

Adding to concerns, Pezzani has been reported to be suffering from serious health problems and requires immediate medical intervention. They are currently held in pre-trial detention at a facility near the capital city, Lomé.

Thibaut Bruttin, RSF’s director general, condemned the charges, labeling them “unjustified and disproportionate.” The organization has called for the immediate release of the journalists, emphasizing their roles as dedicated documentary filmmakers committed to chronicling the lives of the people they encounter.

The French foreign ministry is actively monitoring the treatment of the detained journalists and ensuring they have access to legal representation. Communications with their families and lawyer are also being maintained.

Tony Comiti Productions, the company producing the documentary, has issued support for Mocaër and Pezzani, highlighting their experience and dedication to documenting life without any political agenda.

Reports suggest that their arrest might be connected to a local investigative journalist, Ferdinand Ayité, currently in exile in France. Ayité faced arrest in 2021 after governmental complaints regarding his online comments and subsequently left Togo.

Togo’s political landscape is characterized by a long-standing criticism for corruption and limitations on press freedom. The country’s president, Faure Gnassingbé, has held power since 2005, with past elections marred by allegations of fraud.

The case of Mocaër and Pezzani comes at a time when Togo’s press freedom ranking stands at 97th out of 180 countries according to RSF. This situation amplifies existing tensions regarding political dissent and freedom of the press in the nation.

In the past year alone, incidents of repression against journalists in Togo raised alarm. For instance, French broadcasters France 24 and RFI faced a three-month suspension for purportedly spreading biased information. Another French journalist was detained last year while covering electoral events.