Since the arrest of several Togolese journalists then of the activist Fovi Katakou, the reactions follow one another. Political parties, civil society organizations, all demand their release. Even the bishops’ conference was moved, pleading the cause of all these people.
With our correspondent in Lomé, Peter Sassou Dogbé
In addition to the opposition political parties, several civil society organizations have expressed their dismay: the October 5 movement for example, or the Nubuéke movement, of which Fovi Katakou is a member. Edou Kossi helped Fovi Katakou in his activities. He says he is in shock but says that his organization will not give up and will continue its mobilization actions.
” Fovi Katakou is physically disabled. He does not make movements without assistance. When we say that things are wrong in Togo: look at the country in which we are! All public goods are privatized! And it is said that he incites the people to revolt … “
These arrests aroused discontent. So much so that even the conference of bishops of Togo had to publish a plea note. Father Émile Ségbédji is its general secretary:
” If the accusations are only political and sociorelational, the bishops plead in favor of the release of those arrested. The bishops are in search of the preservation of social peace, which is of capital importance in the eyes of the Togolese authorities and of all. “
In a statement read on national television on the evening of Wednesday, December 15, the public prosecutor, Mawama Talaka, clarified that the acts committed by the imprisoned journalists the press and communication code do not fall within the remit of the code. Social networks, he adds, are subject to common law.