Ivory Coast: Journalist Gaston Bony death threats and health concern
The Writers in Prison Committee of International PEN says it is deeply concerned by the reported death threats made against Gaston Bony and the apparent deterioration in his health. Bony was handed down a prison term of six months for defamation on 31 March 2004 following the publication of an article which implicated the Mayor of Agboville in the misappropriation of funds which were intended as a grant for a radio station.
To: IFEX Autolist (other news of interest)
From: Writers in Prison Committee, International PEN, [email protected]
RAPID ACTION NETWORK
10 June 2004
Update #1 to RAN 16/04
Ivory Coast: Journalist Gaston Bony death threats and health concern
The Writers in Prison Committee of International PEN is deeply concerned by the
reported death threats made against Gaston Bony and the apparent deterioration
in his health.
Bony was handed down a prison term of six months for defamation on 31 March 2004
following the publication of an article which implicated the Mayor of Agboville
in the misappropriation of funds which were intended as a grant for a radio
station.
According to reports received by International PEN, Gaston Bony has been
receiving death threats from the Mayor of Agboville and those close to him. He
fears that he will be killed once he is released from prison.
The publication director of Le Venin is being detained in appalling prison
conditions and is sharing a tiny cell with four others. A hunger strike which he
began recently in protest at his detention, has led to a serious deterioration
in his health and he can now only walk with great difficulty and with the aid of
a cane.
International PEN demands that the Ivory Coast authorities investigate as a
matter of urgency the death threats which are reportedly being made against him.
PEN also urges that he receives adequate medical care and humanitarian treatment
whilst in detention. In addition, PEN calls for the quashing of Bony's criminal
conviction and for his immediate release.
Please send appeals:
- Calling for an immediate investigation into the death threats being made
against Bony Gaston;
- Urging the Ivory Coast authorities to ensure that Gaston Bony receives
adequate medical care immediately and that Bony Gaston receives humanitarian
treatment whilst in prison;
- Calling for the quashing of his criminal conviction and for his immediate and
unconditional release.
Appeals to:
President Laurent Gbagbo
The Presidency
Abidjan
Ivory Coast
Fax: +225 20 32 90 77
Minister of Human Rights
Victorine Wodié
01 BP 2020 Abidjan
Ivory Coast
Fax: +225 20 32 81 01
For further details contact Sara Birch at the Writers in Prison Committee London
Office: 9-10 Charterhouse Buildings, London EC1M 7AT UK Tel: + 44 (0) 20 72 53
32 26 Fax: + 44 (0) 20 72 53 57 11 e-mail: [email protected]