The Togolese authorities have reportedly leveled serious accusations against investigative journalist Ferdinand Ayité and Commander Olivier Amah, both currently exiled in France. They are alleged to be involved in a conspiracy against state security and acts of terrorism.
This decision followed the arrest and expulsion of a French journalist, who was accused by Togolese authorities of illegally crossing the border and acting as an activist.
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has revealed this week that Pegasus cyber-espionage software continues to infiltrate the mobile phones of Togolese journalists, especially Loïc Lawson and Anani Sossou. The duo currently faces legal action in Togo, triggered by a complaint from the Minister of Urban Planning.
This legal saga draws parallels with a past defamation case involving journalists Isidore Kowounou, Ferdinand Ayité, and the late Joël Egah, who had clashed with the same minister and another government official.
Loïc Lawson and Anani Sossou, journalists detained at Lomé’s civil prison since November 15, 2023, were released on Friday, December 1, 2023, as reported at the beginning of the weekend. While there are no formal contemplations or discussions, the release of the journalists has triggered a surge in appeals for a swift amendment to Togo’s media laws.
“This award is not truly good news for our country,” said Ferdinand Ayité, the Togolese winner of the International Press Freedom Award presented on Thursday evening (November 16, 2023) by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) in New York
Two Togolese journalists, Loic Lawson, the editor of Flambeau des Democrates, and Anani Sossou, a freelance journalist, found themselves in prison on Wednesday, facing charges of defaming Housing Minister Kodjo Adedze on social media.
Journalists from Georgia, India, Mexico and the Togolese Ferdinand Ayité will be honored in November at the 2023 International Press Freedom Awards, which celebrate brave reporters around the world.
From his place of exile, the Togolese journalist, Ferdinand Ayité makes revelations about the state of his family in the West African nation. According to the journalist prosecuted by the country’s authorities, his family has been constantly intimidated and harassed since he left Lomé.
The Togolese journalists Ferdinand Ayite and Isidore Kouwonou, respectively Director of Publication and Editor-in-Chief of the Togolese investigative newspaper L’ALTERNATIVE will be tried again on Thursday, May 11, 2023 at the Lomé Court of Appeal, we learn.
