Security forces in Guinea detained at least 12 journalists during a protest against censorship, employing tear gas to disperse the demonstration, as reported by organizers and local media.
The Private Press Union of Guinea (SPPG) organized a protest in the capital, Conakry, calling for the authorities to lift restrictions imposed on the popular Guinee Matin news site. During this demonstration, security forces arrested at least 12 journalists and used tear gas to disperse the protesters.
Starting in August, the Guinee Matin news site has only been accessible within Guinea by using a VPN.
Reporters Without Borders has established a mirror site to enable people within the West African country to access its content.
Guinea’s ruling junta, which took control in September 2021, has not offered any justification for the censorship.
“We intended to gather at the roundabout by the port,” Abdouramane Diallo, an SPPG official, told media.
“The mixed police and gendarmerie forces gassed us,” he said, adding that one journalist was slightly injured.
The secretary-general of the SPPG is said to be among the twelve journalists detained.
They were taken to court on charges of participating in an unauthorized assembly.
The junta has banned protests since 2022.
Four press associations issued a joint statement denouncing the unwarranted violence against journalists and demanding their immediate and unconditional release.
The press associations urged both the national and international communities to bear witness to the significant deterioration in freedom of expression and democracy.
