Togo: Gaël Mocaër, Sebastian Perez Pezzani Detained on 'False Declarations' Charges

• Gaël Mocaër, Sebastian Perez Pezzani, and Fred Vedomey were placed in provisional detention in Lomé, Togo, on August 17. Sebastian Perez Pezzani was provisionally released on August 20, 2026, for medical reasons, while Gaël Mocaër and Fred Vedomey remain detained.
• The two France Télévisions journalists and their Togolese fixeur were filming a documentary and possessed official work visas and a filming permit.
• They face charges of "fausses déclarations" despite their documented compliance with Togolese regulations.
• Reporters sans frontières and Tony Comiti Productions have condemned the detention as unjustified and disproportionate, calling for immediate release.
• Sebastian Perez Pezzani is reportedly suffering from serious health issues requiring urgent medical care.

This incident highlights the potential for arbitrary detentions and significant risks faced by foreign media professionals operating in Togo, even when official permits and compliance with local regulations are meticulously observed.

Gaël Mocaër, Sebastian Perez Pezzani, and Fred Vedomey were placed in provisional detention in Lomé, the capital of Togo, on August 17. The two journalists, Mocaër and Perez Pezzani, were filming an episode for "Les Routes de l'impossible," a documentary series broadcast on France 5, part of the France Télévisions group, and produced by Tony Comiti Productions. They were accompanied by Fred Vedomey, a Togolese fixeur who collaborates with media organizations.

The trio has been deprived of their liberty since July 27. Their initial arrest occurred in Kara, located in northern Togo, while they were documenting a market approximately twenty kilometers from the border with Benin. Following their arrest, they underwent several hours of separate interrogations, and their equipment was confiscated. They were subsequently assigned to residence until July 30. Despite a brief release, they were re-arrested on the same day and later transferred to Lomé on August 4, culminating in their provisional detention and formal charges on August 17. Gaël Mocaër and Fred Vedomey are currently held in a police facility in Lomé, while Sebastian Perez Pezzani was provisionally released on August 20, 2026, for medical reasons, with his passport confiscated pending further proceedings.

The provisional detention of Gaël Mocaër, Sebastian Perez Pezzani, and Fred Vedomey stems from charges of "fausses déclarations," or false declarations, according to information provided by Reporters sans frontières (RSF). However, the journalists and their fixeur had entered Togo with official work visas and possessed a filming authorization specifically issued by the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Arts for their documentary, "Les routes de l'impossible." This documentation suggests that they had complied with the administrative regulations in force for their professional activities.

Tony Comiti Productions, the company behind the documentary, asserts that Mocaër and Perez Pezzani are seasoned professionals who have documented daily life in various countries without political agenda. They emphasize that the team arrived in Togo equipped with all necessary official documents and in full adherence to local administrative requirements, making the "fausses déclarations" charge particularly contentious given their documented compliance.

Reporters sans frontières (RSF) has vehemently condemned the procedure leading to the detention of Gaël Mocaër, Sebastian Perez Pezzani, and Fred Vedomey, labeling it as unjustified and disproportionate. The organization has issued an urgent appeal for their immediate release, expressing deep concern over a situation that has persisted for over 20 days. Thibaut Bruttin, RSF's Director General, underscored the severity of the situation and the perceived lack of legal basis for the ongoing detention.

Further compounding the distress, Sebastian Perez Pezzani is reported to be suffering from serious health issues that necessitate immediate medical attention. Tony Comiti Productions and France Télévisions are closely monitoring the situation, expressing profound apprehension for their colleagues and their families. The families of the detained filmmakers have voiced immense worry, particularly regarding Sebastian's deteriorating health, and are hoping for a swift resolution to the uncertainty and anguish they face daily.

This incident highlights the potential for arbitrary detentions and significant risks faced by foreign media professionals operating in Togo, even when official permits and compliance with local regulations are meticulously observed. The charges of 'fausses déclarations' against Gaël Mocaër, Sebastian Perez Pezzani, and Fred Vedomey, despite their possession of valid work visas and a filming authorization, underscore the precarious environment for journalists in the region.

The case serves as a critical reminder for international media organizations and legal advisors about the importance of robust legal and diplomatic support when operating in countries like Togo. The detention of France Télévisions journalists and their local fixeur, despite having secured official permissions, raises serious questions about press freedom and the safety of those documenting local realities, even for non-political documentary series like "Les Routes de l'impossible."

This case highlights the arbitrary nature of detentions and potential risks for foreign media professionals and organizations operating in Togo, even when official permits are secured. Lawyers advising clients on operations in Togo should note the potential for charges like 'fausses déclarations' and the importance of robust legal and diplomatic support.

Source: Original reporting via Reporters sans frontières