Kameroen - Gewetensgevangene
HGL 05/98
2 Jaar gevangenisstraf wegens ‘verspreiden vals nieuws’
President Paul Biya
Palais de l'UnitÆ
1000 YaoundÆ
Cameroon
(plaats, datum)
Your Excellency,
I respectfully draw your attention to the following.
Pius Njawé, a journalist and director of Le Messager, was arrested on 24 December 1997 following an article in Le Messager which suggested that Your Excellency suffered from a heart complaint. Although the government's denial was published by the newspaper, Pius NjawéÆ was charged with dissemination of false news. He was convicted and sentenced to two years' imprisonment. I consider him to be a prisoner of conscience.
Lately many journalists have been convicted of criminal defamation and sentenced to heavy fines and prison terms, often after seriously irregular judicial procedures. Others have been detained without charge, intimidated or assaulted. Newspapers have frequently been confiscated and suspended.
Your Excellency, I respectfully remind you of your obligation to guarantee freedom of expression in Cameroon, as is stated in article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Therefore, I urge you to order the immediate and unconditional release of Pius Njawé, and to ensure that no other journalist will be imprisoned as a prisoner of conscience.
I am confident of your good will and your sense of justice.
Yours sincerely,
(Uw naam, adres, woonplaats)
Zie de inleiding.