Togo - Alerts
The regulatory body questioned the legitimacy of the privately-owned newspaper and accused its managing editor of flouting provisions of the Press and Communication code.
Noel Kokou Tadégnon was attacked by security forces while filming a crackdown on demonstrators during the country's independence day celebration.
In a telephone interview with CPJ, Minister of Security Colonel Dokissime Gnama Latta downplayed the assault as a "Little scratch."
"Tribune d'Afrique" decided to suspend publication in Togo for one week in protest against police harassment of its staff.
"L'Indépendant Express" was ordered to pay 300,000 euros in damages to the plaintiff.
"Tribune d'Afrique" will be back on newsstands on 29 August for the first time since a Lomé court banned its distribution and sale one year ago in a libel case brought by Mey Gnassingbé, the president's half-brother.
Media professionals, civil society groups and members of opposition political parties were attacked with tear gas by security forces as they rallied to demand an investigation into recent attacks on journalists.
The community radio station Radio Carré Jeunes has been accused of "non-adherence to professional standards".
"Gnassingbé's lawyers are stalling in order to win more time and meanwhile the magazine continues to be banned in Togo," said RSF.
Local media groups view the move as an attempt to muzzle the stations, which were deemed critical of the administration of President Gnassingbé.
President Gnassingbé has withdrawn five legal suits he had filed against three Lomé-based newspapers for alleged defamation and insult.
An article published in "La Lanterne" newspaper was deemed to contain false claims that were insulting to Gnassingbé's reputation.
Two of the lawsuits were brought against the weekly "L'Indépendant Express".
"Tribune d'Afrique", a privately-owned newspaper, is accused of defaming Mey Gnassingbé, Togolese President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé's brother.
The Union of Independent Journalists of Togo demanded protection for its members to enable them to carry out their duties without fear or intimidation.
"L'Indépendant Express" published articles accusing the president of fighting with a Togolese soccer star over a beauty queen.
The Inspector General of Police filed a complaint against the three papers after they each carried an article blaming police officers for the death of a motorcycle driver.
Special correspondents were granted visas on election day, allowing for only partial coverage.
RSF voiced its support for reporters from Radio France, RFI, RTL and "La Croix" who were refused visas in the run up to elections.
The newspaper was suspended for two months and ordered to pay damages to the National Intelligence Agency as a result of a recent front-page article.
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