Sénégal: arrestation de trois chroniqueurs pro-Pastef

• The Syndicat des professionnels de l'information et de la communication (Synpics) condemns a heavy-handed intervention at Feeñal Digital's offices.
• The three journalists were taken into custody for allegedly offending the head of state in a TikTok video.
• The charges are punishable under Article 254 of the Code pénal SN, sparking debate about press freedom and free speech in Senegal.

The Division spéciale de cybersécurité (DSC) had raided Feeñal Digital's premises, sparking criticism from Synpics about the manner of arrest and its impact on press freedom.

The arrest of three pro-Pastef journalists has raised red flags about press freedom in Senegal, with the Syndicat des professionnels de l'information et de la communication (Synpics) condemning a heavy-handed intervention at Feeñal Digital's offices. The three journalists, Mandoumbé Diop alias Lamignou Darou, Magueye Diaw dit Oustaz Thiep, and Moustapha Ndiaye known as Ndiaye Touba, were taken into custody on July 27th for allegedly offending the head of state in a TikTok video. The Division spéciale de cybersécurité (DSC) had raided Feeñal Digital's premises, sparking criticism from Synpics about the manner of arrest and its impact on press freedom.

The charges against the three journalists stem from a video published on TikTok during the Magal de Mbacké Bari. In the clip, they can be seen praying for misfortune – death, paralysis, or stroke – to befall 'the one who has betrayed the Pastef project.' While they never explicitly mention President Bassirou Diomaye Faye's name, many interpret this as a veiled reference to him. The prosecution argues that their words constitute an offense against the head of state, punishable under Article 254 of the Code pénal SN.

The arrest has sparked widespread condemnation from human rights groups and politicians alike. The NGO Article 19 has called for the repeal of articles related to offense against the head of state in the Code pénal SN, arguing that they are overly broad and infringe on freedom of expression. Meanwhile, Abass Fall, the mayor of Dakar and a member of Pastef, has publicly denounced the arrests, urging President Faye and his ministers to intervene. The case raises important questions about the balance between press freedom and free speech in Senegal.

Cette arrestation soulève des préoccupations quant à la liberté de la presse au Sénégal, avec le Syndicat des professionnels de l'information et de la communication (Synpics) dénonçant une intervention musclée dans les locaux du média en ligne Feeñal Digital.

Source: Original reporting via Le Synpics dénonce l’arrestation de trois chroniqueurs pro-Pastef dans les locaux de leur média