Amnesty International said in a report released Wednesday, ahead of parliamentary elections scheduled for later this month, that Togolese authorities have cracked down on the media and prevented civilians from gathering to peacefully protest. He said that
In its annual report on human rights around the world, Amnesty International notes that two Togolese newspapers were forced to close for several months last year, and many journalists who reported on corruption were arrested or faced heavy fines. It was announced that.
Togo’s rewritten constitution sparks public opposition and fears of dictatorship
Amnesty International said Togolese authorities are cracking down on the media and preventing civilians from peacefully gathering for protests. (Photo by Rod Lamkey Jr/SOPA Images/LightRocket, Getty Images)
Two Togolese journalists were sentenced to three years in prison for reporting on a minister’s involvement in corruption, but both fled the country to escape detention. Human rights groups said they documented instances of torture and ill-treatment of detainees in prisons.
The report comes at a time of heightened tensions in Togo, a country of about 8 million people that has been ruled by the same family for almost 60 years. Parliamentary elections were postponed until April 29, and the government arrested opposition leaders and halted efforts to organize protests ahead of the vote.
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At issue is a proposed new constitution that would permanently abolish presidential elections and give Congress the power to choose the president instead. It is awaiting approval from President Faure Gnassingbé. Opposition parties and clerics say the bill is an effort by Gnassingbé to extend his rule beyond his term in 2025.
