29 October 1998

Alert

Detained journalist's health deteriorating


Incident details

Michel Michaut Moussala

journalist(s)

detained


(RSF/IFEX) - RSF is expressing concern following the deterioration of
journalist Michel Michaut Moussala's health. According to RSF's information,
the chief editor of the "Aurore Plus" weekly is suffering from acute asthma
attacks which require regular medical attention. Michel Michaut Moussala is
being held at the New Bell (Douala) prison since 3 September 1998. On 13
January, he was sentenced to six months in prison for defamation, further to
a complaint lodged by Jean Tchouta Moussa, former director of the National
Ports Department of Cameroon (ONPC). In an earlier article, "Aurore Plus"
had accused him of misappropriating funds and participating in a failed
coup.




**Updates IFEX alerts of 4 September, 22 January and 14 January 1998**

Recommended Action


Send appeals to the Minister of Justice:

  • asking him to use his influence to assure that Michel Michaut Moussala
    receives appropriate medical care and continued proper medical attention
  • urging him as well to do everything possible to accelerate the judicial
    process and assure that the journalists' lawyers can appeal or ask for a
    temporary release




    Appeals To



    Mr. Laurent Esso
    Garde des Sceaux
    Minister of Justice
    Yaoundé, Cameroun







    Please copy appeals to the source if possible.





    • Source

    Reporters Without Borders
    47, rue Vivienne
    75002 Paris, France
    rsf (@) rsf.org


    Fax:+33 1 45 23 11 51

    More on this case

    Detained journalist's health deteriorating 29 October 1998 Journalist released 13 October 1998 Pius Njawé continues legal battle 11 September 1998 Journalist arrested 4 September 1998 Jailed journalist Pius Njawé suffering from eye ailment 24 June 1998 HRW calls for immediate release of imprisoned Cameroonian journalist 2 June 1998 Appeal to President Chirac to intervene on behalf of Pius Njawe 7 May 1998 Pius Njawe sentence reduced 14 April 1998 Newspaper "Aurore Plus" suspended 22 January 1998 Pius Njawe sentenced to two years in prison: journalist Michel Michaut Moussala sentenced; magazine must appear in court 14 January 1998

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