The Democratic Republic of the Congo authorities have been urged to release journalist Ali Male, who was arrested on December 8 over a report about an army colonel. Male, a reporter for the privately owned En Quete News site and Kinshasa-based Kin24 TV, was taken into custody by plain clothes officers working for the public prosecutor at his home in the capital, Kinshasa.
According to his wife, Arlette Kusa, and journalist Amen Dimwani, Male had received several phone threats from unknown individuals after the article’s publication on October 5. The threats warned him that he would face severe consequences if he continued to report on the issue. The article in question alleged that an unnamed colonel had turned his family residence into a bar, causing a disturbance with loud music, and had also ordered the arrest of two people who were mistreated in detention.
Male’s lawyer, Frida Mambenga, stated that the colonel had sued Male for defamation, and the prosecutor had requested 1.1 million francs ($480) in bail. On December 10, the prosecutor, Male, and the colonel met to discuss the case, but the journalist was not released. The Committee to Protect Journalists has called on the authorities to release Male and reform the country’s laws to prevent journalists from being threatened or arrested over publication disputes.
The incident highlights the challenges faced by journalists in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where reporters often face harassment and intimidation for their work. The country’s laws have been criticized for being overly restrictive, allowing authorities to detain journalists and stifle press freedom. The case of Ali Male is a reminder of the need for greater protection and support for journalists in the region.
The Communications Minister, Patrick Muyaya, did not respond to requests for comment on the matter. The Committee to Protect Journalists has emphasized the importance of releasing Male and ensuring that journalists in the Democratic Republic of the Congo can work without fear of reprisal. The case is ongoing, and it remains to be seen how the authorities will respond to the calls for Male’s release.