LOME, Togo (AP) — Authorities in Togo have repressed the media and prevented civilians from gathering to protest peacefully, Amnesty International said in a report published Wednesday, ahead of parliamentary elections scheduled to take place at the end of this month.
Amnesty International said in its annual report on human rights around the world that two newspapers in Togo were forced to close for several months last year, while a number of journalists were arrested or hit with hefty fines after reporting on corruption.
Two journalists in Togo were sentenced to three years in prison after reporting about a minister’s involvement in corruption, but both fled the country to avoid detention. The human rights organization said it had recorded instances in which detainees in prison were tortured or mistreated.
The report comes at a time of heightened tension in Togo, a country of about 8 million people that has been ruled by the same family for almost 60 years. Parliamentary elections have been pushed back until April 29, and the government have arrested opposition figures and quashed efforts to organize protests ahead of the vote.
1 person was arrested after 3 people were injured in a 'major incident' at a Welsh school
China Initiates Campaign to Honor Role Models in Enhancing River, Lake Protection
List of 10 Women Model Police Officers in Anti
ACWF Honors 3 Women Dedicated to Curbing COVID
Biden picks up another big union endorsement, this one from building trades workers
ACWF Launches Women Volunteers' Action
ACWF Honors 3 Women Dedicated to Curbing COVID
Delegations parade into stadium during opening ceremony of 4th Asian Para Games in Hangzhou
Yokohama reaches Asian Champions League final by beating Ulsan in penalty shootout 5
MCA, ACWF Promote Harmony Within Families
Verhaeghe scores OT winner, Bobrovsky makes some fantastic saves, and Panthers top Lightning 3
ACWF Vows to Mobilize Women to Play Active Role in Winning Fight Against Poverty