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Alert

Three journalists receive death threats from soldiers and supporters of the president

(RSF/IFEX) - In a letter to President François Bozizé, RSF urged him to "make a personal commitment" to ensure that the threats and intimidation that have targeted three journalists in recent weeks are stopped. The threats have come from members of the presidential guard and supporters of the "Kwa Na Kwa National Convergence".

Since 8 May 2005, Radio Ndeke Luka (RNL) journalists Zéphirin Kaya and Patrick Akibata have received several death threats from members of the presidential guard and Bozizé supporters. This followed the journalists' coverage of recent elections and accusations that they were involved in a "disinformation campaign".

On 14 and 15 May, during a Radio Centrafrique programme, electoral candidate Edouard Ngaïssona and his campaign director, as well as an anonymous caller, issued death threats against Kaya and Maka Gbossokoto, publication director of the privately-owned daily "Le Citoyen" and an RSF correspondent.

Also on 15 May, the Bangui-M'Poko airport deputy chief of security, Lieutenant Gbadora, issued death threats against Kaya and unsuccessfully tried to detain him at the airport. On the evening of 17 May, Gbadora reiterated his threats in personal calls to Kaya and Gbossokoto.