Confinement of journalists: Clergymen’s real actions under way

Clergymen are clearing for action! A prayer gathering is being organized on Saturday February 6th in Antsahamanitra again. One of the movement’s leaders was anxious to specify that the fate of both of Radio Fahazavana’s reporters is, now, a general cause for concern. 

While refraining to provide more information about it, a pastor confirmed that a demonstration would be under way. The Fahazavàna radio station belongs to the FJKM reformed protestant church, as well as a majority of figures part of the “Clergyleaders’ movement”. 

Having been held in custody since January 8th, Lolot Ratsimba, reporter, and Didier Ravoahangiarison, station’s director, have been denied short term release despite their attorney’s request. They have been charged as “accomplices” in the RAS camp’s aborted mutiny case by the end of December 2009. “The reporter was on the scene to get a scoop” insisted one of the “Clergyleaders’ movement”‘s pastor. One reporter’s presence on a scoop’s scene, be it at 04:00 a.m. happens to be a crime according to the current authorities 

Ever since both reporters’ incarceration, media professionnals have erected a crisis cell. A petition requiring both men’s release is being growing in size. Three reporters have been thrown behind bars in less than a year after the High Authority of Transition’s advent. Such a thing has not been seen in Madagascar for ten years.