drc: Cameraman detained, forced to erase footage of opposition demonstration

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ALERT - DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

23 April 2003

Cameraman detained, forced to erase footage of opposition demonstration

SOURCE: Journaliste en danger (JED), Kinshasa

(JED/IFEX) - Richard Malango, a cameraman with the Kinshasa-based private
television station Tropicana TV, was arrested on 23 April 2003, in the
morning. The cameraman was detained by officers from the Congolese National
Police's Special Services branch, while filming a demonstration by activists
of the opposition Union for Democracy and Social Progress party (Union pour
la démocratie et le progrès social, UDPS) at Kinshasa/Gombe's central train
station square. Malango's equipment was confiscated and he was taken to the
Special Services' Kinshasa/Gombe headquarters.

According to information received by JED, Malango was covering a
demonstration by UDPS activists at the central train station square when it
was broken up by police, on the pretext that city officials had not
authorised the rally. At the same time, another protest march led by
Congolese artist Ngiama Werrason took place without incident along the same
route.

At the Special Services' offices, the cameraman was asked to erase his
footage from the demonstration. He gave a statement and was subsequently
released. His equipment was also returned to him.

JED notes that it has become increasingly difficult for camera operators to
film in the streets of Kinshasa. This is especially true of foreign camera
operators, even when they have the necessary accreditation papers. Press
photographers have also complained of the harassment they face from police
each time they take pictures in the streets of the Congolese capital.
Congolese National Police officers in civilian clothes often demand to see
documentation authorising them to shoot footage or take pictures in public
areas.

For further information, contact D. M'Baya Tshimanga, president, Journaliste
en danger (JED), B.P. 633 Kinshasa 1, Democratic Republic of Congo, tel.
+243 99 29 323/345, fax: +243 88 01 625, e-mail: [email protected],
[email protected], Internet: http://www.jed-congo.org

The information contained in this alert is the sole responsibility of JED.
In citing this material for broadcast or publication, please credit JED.
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