Senegal: Broadcasters attacked by police
Two sports journalists were brutally beaten by Senegalese police at Leopold Sedar Senghor Stadium, Dakar on June 21, 2008. The journalists, Kara Thioune of West Africa Democracy Radio (WADR) and Babacar Kambel Diang a reporter for the private radio station RFM, were punched, kicked and beaten with electric batons.
Senegal ALERT: Broadcasters attacked by police
Two sports journalists were brutally beaten by Senegalese police at Leopold Sedar Senghor Stadium, Dakar on June 21, 2008.
The journalists, Kara Thioune of West Africa Democracy Radio (WADR) and Babacar Kambel Diang a reporter for the private radio station RFM, were punched, kicked and beaten with electric batons.
Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) sources reported that the reporters were at the stadium to cover a post-match press briefing.
The journalists were handcuffed and detained for 30 minutes before they were taken to the hospital for medical attention.
The source said Thioune bled profusely.
Another journalist, Frank Sainworla escaped the attack.
Meanwhile, the journalist union, Synpics and RFM intend to take legal action against the police for these unjust attacks.
The MFWA supports the Synpics and RFM proposed actions. We condemn the arbitrary use of force and call on the authorities to curtail the rising incidents of violence against journalists in Senegal.