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.
For them the war really is over! WW2 prisoner
Tesla's Cybertruck disaster: Insider reveals 'serious safety issues' behind scenes of EV rollout
Cost of privately renting homes rises by more than 9% in a year
OJ Simpson's remains are cremated in Las Vegas as his lawyer reveals ex
Trump factor loomed large as GOP leaders pushed through Ukraine aid
Bank of England boss Andrew Bailey forecasts big inflation drop
Party's over: Coyotes end tenure in the desert with raucous atmosphere before move
KENNEDY: We all know why blubbery bistro blowhard Keith McPiggy branded perpetual trout
Lions agree to contract extensions with St. Brown and Sewell worth combined $200M, AP source says
Genius iPhone hack will save you so much time when traveling
Former Seattle WNBA champion Sue Bird joins Storm ownership group
Nancy Pelosi memoir, 'The Art of Power,' will reflect on her career in public life