DRC journalists harassed in election build-up

7 Nov 2011

As the Democratic Republic of Congo's 28 November election date draws closer, intimidation of journalists is escalating. NGOs Reporters Without Borders and Journaliste en Danger are sufficiently concerned about the situation to write an open letter to officials, asking them to secure the safety of journalists during the election.

The letter, addressed to prime minister and interior minister Adolphe Lumanu Mulenda Bwana N'Sefu, asked him to ensure "journalists be allowed to carry out their work without being treated as targets". An eminently reasonable request which the government should heed. That said, the right of journalists to go about their jobs is hardly a given in the DRC.

Continue reading the full story in www.dailymaverick.co.za.

About Theresa Mallinson

Theresa Mallinson has lived and worked as an itinerant writer, subeditor and sometimes teacher, plying her trade in such exotic destinations as Vaduz, Dubai, and Cape Town. But that's all changed since she became a journalist at the Daily Maverick (www.thedailymaverick.co.za) and managing editor at Free African Media. For now, she's very happy to be living in Jozi. Follow her on Twitter at @tcmallinson and contact her on theresa.mallinson@gmail.com.

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