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Alert

Journalist released after nine days in detention

(JED/IFEX) - Clement Nku, a cameraman with Canal Congo Television (CCTV), which is privately-owned by Jean-Pierre Bemba, was released on 29 November 2006 at approximately 2:00 p.m. (local time) after being held for nine days. No charge has been raised against him.

The journalist told Journalist in Danger (JED) that he was arrested on 21 November 2006 by four plain-clothed men, while he was on his way back from covering a story at the Congolese Control Office (OCC). The men blindfolded him and tied his hands before driving him to police special services' headquarters, commonly known as Kin Mazière.

During his time in detention, the journalist was questioned about allegedly possessing an M16 firearm and bullets. In fact, the journalist had only his camera and denied the alleged possession of a firearm.

The police also wanted to know who had filmed the images presented in the report about incidents at the Supreme Court, which were broadcast by CCTV.