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.
New Orleans man pleads guilty in 2016 shooting death of Jefferson Parish deputy
Beijing half marathon results under investigation after runners appear to hand win to Chinese star
Weedkiller manufacturer seeks lawmakers' help to squelch claims it failed to warn about cancer
Malta's new president takes office
Heartbroken woman confronts her obsessed ex
National defense ministry slams 'Taiwan independence' separatists
A London court rules against a Muslim girl who wanted to pray at a school known for strict rules
Chinese president appoints new ambassadors
Australia and New Zealand honor their war dead with dawn services on Anzac Day
Drama featuring cats in Forbidden City to tour nationwide
Tennessee would criminalize helping minors get abortions under bill heading to governor
A top Federal Reserve official opens door to keeping rates high for longer