2024-02-12 11:14:19
The controversial detention of journalist Bruno Bidjang continues to cause reaction within the profession in Cameroon. In a vitriolic column, press boss Aristide Bounah demands his immediate release, denouncing a serious attack on freedom of expression. Analysis.
Tension is at its height in the small world of the Cameroonian press. Following the turbulent arrest of journalist Bruno Bidjang, accused of seditious remarks, the sharp pen of press boss Aristide Bounah falls without restraint on the government.
An arrest still not digested
As a reminder, Bruno Bidjang is accused of“incitement to insurrection” after having criticized on air the rise in fuel prices and its economic consequences. Comments which led to him being thrown in prison, sparking a wave of indignation.
A ” injustice » which still remains in Aristide Bounah’s throat. In his scathing column, the publishing director of the newspaper Le Code publicly expresses his anger. “By detaining Bruno Bidjang for simply expressing his opinion, the government is violating his most basic rights” he gets carried away.
A constitutional right violated
But beyond the Bidjang case itself, it is above all the constitutional principle of freedom of expression which would have been violated according to Aristide Bounah. And the press boss recalled the unambiguous content of article 19 of the Cameroonian fundamental law:
« Everyone has the right to freedom of expression […]. This right includes freedom of opinion and the freedom to receive and impart information and ideas regardless of frontiers..
Difficult to be clearer. Hence his solemn appeal to release the incarcerated colleague.
The profession in the viewfinder
But beyond the journalist Bidjang, it is the entire profession that the authorities are trying to muzzle through this affair according to Aristide Bounah. “Stifling the voice of a journalist is tantamount to stifling democracy » he asserts.
And to point out the recent ban on employees of the L’Anecdote group (Bruno Bidjang’s media) from commenting on current events on social networks. A “additional attack on individual freedom and diversity of opinions” again denounces Aristide Bounah.
In short, in his eyes, the Bidjang affair is only the tip of the iceberg of a political desire to gag any critical voice emanating from the media. Hence his cry from the heart: “Free Bruno Bidjang! “. A call that will find an echo?