Togo charges two French journalists over incorrect documents, rights group says

Since July 27, 2026, two French journalists and their Togolese fixer have been held in Togo, drawing criticism from Reporters Without Borders (RSF) who are demanding their immediate release. Gaël Mocaër, Sebastian Perez Pezzani, and Fred Venum were arrested while filming a France 5 documentary for Les Routes de l’impossible. The trio was apprehended near Kara, in northern Togo, while documenting a market roughly 20 kilometers from the Benin border.

Initially, they were under house arrest, then transferred to custody on August 17, where they face charges of "false statements." They are currently detained at the Agoè Logopé police camp near Lomé. The French Foreign Ministry acknowledged their detention on August 18, stating that the case is under judicial investigation and that French authorities have conducted three consular visits to ensure their rights, health, and living conditions are respected.

RSF contends that the journalists entered Togo with valid work visas and filming permissions from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Arts, while also holding the proper permits from Tony Comiti Productions. However, Togo's HARC claims it was not informed of the journalists' arrival or filming, and thus, courts will decide on the circumstances of their detention and any alleged infractions.

The families of the detained journalists, especially concerned for Perez Pezzani's health due to serious issues requiring urgent attention, have voiced strong concern. Both men are fathers, with one having a 13-year-old son. RSF deems the detention "unjustified and disproportionate" and urges the Togolese government to release the three men immediately.