CPJ demands Mali free jailed journalists Keïta, Takiou over press freedom critiques
CPJ calls on Malian authorities to immediately release journalists Abdrahamane Keïta and Chahana Takiou, imprisoned last week for criticizing the military government's press freedom record and losses to insurgents. CPJ's Francophone Africa representative Moussa Ngom condemned the arrests, noting Takiou was charged under cybercrime law for comments at a media forum criticizing its misuse against press freedom, despite his remarks being '100 per cent accurate.'
Keïta, director of Le Témoin, was arrested June 9 after stating on TV that JNIM insurgents control Kidal—a claim verified by recent militant takeovers of the city from Malian forces. Takiou, publishing director of 22 Septembre, was arrested June 8 and faces trial July 27 for 'undermining the state's reputation.' Keïta's trial is set for August 17 on charges including 'a crime of regionalist nature' and publishing false information.
Both journalists are being prosecuted under Mali's 2019 cybercrime law, which overrides the 2000 press law's lighter penalties for journalists. The vague cybercrime law allows prosecution under ordinary criminal codes with multi-year sentences, eliminating special press protections. CPJ demands charges be dropped and all three journalists (including Youssouf Sissoko, serving a 2-year sentence since March) released immediately.