REACTION TO THE ARREST OF JOURNALISTS

It was with dismay that we learnt of the arrest of the political affairs editor of The Sun Newspaper Atia Tilarious, and a reporter of The Guardian PostNewspaper Amos Fofung. This comes to increase the number of journalists held in custody this day by state authorities ( Tim Finian held at SED Yaounde), in relation to the ongoing strike action in the two English Speaking regions of Cameroon.

With all the strongest terms, The Cameroon Association of English-Speaking Journalists CAMASEJ, condemns these arrests of pressmen at its members (Atia Tilarious is the chapter president for Buea), and their continuous incarceration without judgment. Cameroon we must recall is a signatory of the United Nation`s charter, whose 19th article on the freedom of speech should not be undermined. Also, the 1990 law of social Communication in Cameroon also enables its citizens; talk less of journalists to express their views freely.

But, since the start of the strike action, many press officials have been harassed and radio stations closed. While calling for their immediate release, we are calling on all our members and pressmen to remain calm and most of all professional in the discharge of their duties. For professionalism is the only but strongest weapon placed in the hands of a journalist.

We are also informing the executive and judicial arms of the country that the press has always been a partner to their activities, understanding the press will be more to the advantage of our growing democracy, for a democracy without press freedom is not different from dictatorship.

The National President

Simon Lyonga