CFI denounces maintaining Beninese journalist Ignace Sossou in prison

20 Mai 2020

Cotonou, Benin, May 20 (Infosplusgabon)  - The CFi Development Medias agency Tuesday condemned the continued imprisonment of Beninese journalist Ignace Sossou whose 18-month term was commuted Tuesday to 12 months, including six months in jail following  an appeal.

“By commuting the initial sentence of 18 months ruled on 29 December 2019 to 12 months, including six in jail, the Appeal Chamber of the Cotonou tribunal maintains the journalist in prison.

“CFI condemns this new decision of justice which, like the first judgment, leads to the maintaining in prison of Ignace Sossou,” a statement issued by the agency and sent to PANA said.

For CFA, “the judgment ruled in first instance is yet difficult to understand as it is based on null and void accusations that cannot justify any imprisonment. If CFI considers that this remission of sentence is a step forward for the release of the journalist, only the immediate freedom for Igance Sossou would have been acceptable”.

“His first sentence for ‘harassment through digital communication means’ has already raised legitimate and shared indignation for CFI. Ignace Sossou, by quoting, without any defamatory nature, the comments made by Mr Mario Metonou, did not exceed the framework of his duties of journalist,” said the agency.

Sentenced on 24 December for sharing on his personal social networks the comments made by the Beninese public prosecutor in a training workshop to fight against fake news held by CFI in Benin, Sossou, detained at the Cotonou civil prison, will have to stay there until 24 June.

FIN/ INFOSPLUSGABON/ERD/GABON2020

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