Togo: Togo Says It Has 'Serious' Evidence Against Detained French Journalists
[RFI] Togo's government says it has "serious and consistent evidence" against two French documentary filmmakers detained since July on charges of making false statements. Gaël Mocaër and Sebastian Perez Pezzani were arrested along with their Togolese fixer, Fred Vedomey, and have denied wrongdoing.
Togo's government claims to possess substantial evidence against two detained French documentary filmmakers, Gaël Mocaër and Sebastian Perez Pezzani. The men, along with their Togolese fixer Fred Vedomey, were arrested on July 27 while filming a travel documentary in northern Togo for French television. The government alleges the team failed to obtain necessary permits to film in the Savanes region and Bimah prefecture, locations where they were detained.
They are also accused of operating a drone without prior declaration of its specifications. The journalists' lawyer, Martial Akakpo, maintains his clients deny all allegations. Rights groups, such as Reporters Without Borders, call for the men's release, deeming their detention unjustified and disproportionate. Togo's Press Association also demands their immediate release, citing the case as a threat to the country's international reputation.
The government maintains the detention is unrelated to the editorial nature of the team's work and is merely the enforcement of administrative procedures. The regions where the men were filming are considered sensitive due to the threat of jihadist attacks.
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