Federal government must demand the release of an imprisoned Malian journalist

The Society for Threatened Peoples (STP) urges Guido Westerwelle, the German Minister of Foreign Affairs, to advocate for the release of an imprisoned Malian journalist and for the freedom of the press in general. "Mali's democracy is not only threatened by Islamists but also by the own government," said Ulrich Delius, the STP's expert on questions regarding Africa, in Göttingen on Wednesday. On Monday of last week, Boukary Dauo – editor of the reputable newspaper "Le Républicain" – had been indicted for publishing a critical open letter to the president after he had been arrested by the state security. The letter contained a soldier's complaint that rebel leader Captain Amadou Sanogo still has privileges. Since his military coup on March 22, 2012, Sanogo is still considered to have a lot of influence on the army and on politics. Severe human rights violations were committed in his name. Sanogo has not been prosecuted so far.

"The fact that the journalist was arbitrarily persecuted shows how difficult the mission of the Bundeswehr in Mali is," said Delius. "The Bundeswehr cooperates with an army that pays no respect towards human rights and prefers to silence critical journalists – so it is questionable what values they are fighting for in Mali." Delius also stated that the war against terror during the past twelve years has shown that terrorism cannot be fought credibly and effectively by disrespecting basic human rights. In Mali, the partner of the Bundeswehr tramples on human rights – and the situation regarding the freedom of the press in the African country is alarming. Arbitrary arrests, threats and attacks against the media are common. More than 60 incidents were documented since March 2012 – some caused by the official security forces and some by the insurgents.

Boukary Daou – the journalist who is now accused – had originally been arrested by the Malian State Security (Direction Générale de la Sécurité de l'Etat) on March 6, but had been illegally detained for a week before he was handed over to the judicial authorities on March 14. On March 18, charges were opened against him for "spreading false news" and for "inciting a riot". Boukary Daou now faces a prison sentence.

The arbitrary persecution of the journalist caused an uproar in the media. Newspaper editors even started a strike to enforce his release. Several media are considering a reprint of the controversial letter of the soldier – as a sign of solidarity with the accused journalist.