Mali: Two French RFI journalists killed
| Publisher | Article 19 |
| Publication Date | 5 November 2013 |
| Cite as | Article 19, Mali: Two French RFI journalists killed, 5 November 2013, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/527b6c3a4.html [accessed 21 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
ARTICLE 19 denounces the murder of two journalists from Radio France Internationale (RFI), Ghislaine Dupont and Claude Verlon on Saturday, 2nd November.
Based on information provided by RFI and local sources, the two journalists were kidnapped in Kidal and forced into a car on leaving the home of Ambery Ghissa Ag, one of the leaders of the National Liberation Movement of Azawad (MNLA). The two journalists were subsequently killed by their captors.
French Foreign Minister, Laurent Fabius, gave more details on the circumstances of the journalists' death, indicating that they were "murdered coldly, one shot twice, the other three times, and were found a few metres away from the locked car".
"We are shocked and saddened by the murder of two journalists and offer our condolences to their families, RFI and all journalists," said Fatou Jagne Senghor, Director of ARTICLE 19 West Africa. "This murder is a heinous crime that we strongly denounce and that must not go unpunished." She added.
This crime is a reminder of the harsh environment and insecurity in which journalists work in Mali. It demonstrates clearly the problem of threats to their safety that journalists face, especially in the north. Dozens of journalists and media outlets have been attacked in this part of the country since the coup of 22 March 2012 causing many journalists to flee from these areas. The vast majority of these crimes have been committed by insurgents. The death of two journalists Gislaine Claude Dupont and Verlon is a stark reminder of the confusion and lawlessness that still prevail in the north.
The Malian authorities and all armed actors in Malian territory have an obligation to ensure the right to safety and protection of journalists in accordance with national laws and international conventions.
Mahamane Baby, spokesman for the Malian government promised that "some measures will be taken, including the opening of a judicial investigation in Mali."
ARTICLE 19 encourages such measures. "An independent and transparent investigation must be opened and led by the Malian authorities with the utmost speed to solve the murder in order to bring the perpetrators to justice. This is one of the best deterrents against such acts and the fight against impunity," said Fatou Jagne Senghor.
NOTES FOR EDITORS:
For more information, please contact: Aliou Niane, Program Security and Protection Officer, ARTICLE 19 West Africa at [email protected] or call 221338690322 / Khady Diallo, Senior Programme Assistant, ARTICLE 19 West Africa, at [email protected]
ARTICLE 19 is an independent international human rights organisation that works around the world for the promotion, protection and defense of freedom of expression. It takes its name from Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 10 December 1948, which guarantees freedom of expression.
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