The (CEDPE) deplores the relentlessness and dissuasive pressure exerted on the newspaper ALWIHDA INFOS

The Center for Studies for the Development and Prevention of Extremism - CEDPE Communication Service N'Djamena, August 29, 2023 PRESS RELEASE The Center for Studies for the Development and Prevention of Extremism (CEDPE) deplores the relentlessness and dissuasive pressure exerted on the newspaper ALWIHDA INFOS, a newspaper whose editorial line free from ethical reproaches has been able to retain thousands of readers throughout the world. Indeed, on August 26, the High Authority for Media and Audiovisual (HAMA) suspended the online newspaper for a period of eight days for "publishing insulting remarks and communitarian remarks likely to undermine cohesion and discipline within the army". A sharp decision which comes a few days after the newspaper criticized an exit from the President of the Republic. An exercise, however, quite regular and legitimate in journalism. A few hours after this decision, which was clearly unpopular in view of the reaction of national and international opinion, the Director of Publication of the said newspaper, Mr. Djimet Wiché, was shadowed by elements of the secret services while he was going about his personal errands in the first district. It's just right that he will escape the executioners in two Corolla brand cars with one-way windows. The CEDPE alerts national and international opinion to this situation, which appears to be a restriction of freedom of the press, expression and opinion. The principles of democracy must indisputably be respected in a country that claims to be a rule of law. The Fundamental Law of Chad as well as the universal human rights texts call for the inviolability of the human being. Finally, the CEDPE calls on the communication service of the presidency to consider a strategy of rapprochement with the media and this by organizing, in the interest of Chad, meetings for exchanges and debate to improve relations between the two parties. Communication officer Barka Bouba Tel: 00235 61 23 72 38 Bouba.cedpe@aol.com