Date: 1998/02/27
Country: GABON

(RSF/IFEX) - According to RSF, on 20 February 1998, Radio Soleil, a private radio station, was forbidden from transmitting. The decision, by the National Communication Council, followed an editorial broadcast by Radio Soleil in which President Omar Bongo was satirized. The radio station has close ties to the National Union of Timberworkers opposition party.

Without commenting on the merits of the case, RSF is shocked that the suspension affects the entirety of Radio Soleil's programming.
Recommended Action

Send appeals to authorities: recalling that Gabon ratified the African Charter of Human Rights, in which article 9 guarantees freedom of expression and information appealing to them to use their authority so that all other Radio Soleil programming may continue to broadcast