Senegalese journalist detained over contempt of court, spreading false news

(MENAFN) Senegalese TV journalist, Pape Ndiaye, has been arrested and charged with contempt of court and spreading false news, according to his lawyer. Ndiaye, who works for the Wal Fadjri news channel, had recently questioned the independence of the judiciary in the country. He alleged that the public prosecutor had instructed judges to pursue a criminal trial against opposition politician, Ousmane Sonko, on rape accusations, despite the majority of judges wanting to dismiss the case. Ndiaye's lawyer confirmed that the charges against his client include provocation of a crowd, intimidation and reprisals against a member of the judiciary, discrediting a judicial act, dissemination of false news, and endangering the lives of others.

The Coordination of Press Associations (CAP), a trade union confederation, announced the news of Ndiaye's indictment and detention. The charges against him relate to his coverage of the controversial Sonko case, which has been a source of tension in Senegal for the past two years. Sonko, who came third in the last presidential election, was charged with rape and death threats and placed under judicial supervision in March 2021, based on a complaint by an employee at a beauty salon where he was getting a massage.

The arrest of Ndiaye has raised concerns about press freedom in Senegal. Critics have accused the government of using the judiciary to stifle dissent and silence opposition voices. The case highlights the challenges faced by journalists in many African countries, where reporting on sensitive issues can lead to harassment, intimidation, and arrest.

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