Lesotho: Authorities Must Investigate Reported Abduction and Assault of Journalist Kananelo Boloetse
[AI London] Responding to reports that journalist and human rights defender Kananelo Boloetse was abducted on 5 September from his home in Maseru, interrogated about his work, assaulted and threatened with death, Amnesty International's Deputy Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, Vongai Chikwanda, said:
Amnesty International's Deputy Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, Vongai Chikwanda, has expressed grave concern over the alleged abduction and assault of journalist Kananelo Boloetse. According to the organization, Boloetse was taken from his home in Maseru on September 5th by three unidentified individuals. He was reportedly interrogated about his work, subjected to physical assault, and abandoned in Thaba-Bosiu, around 20-25 kilometers east of Maseru.
Chikwanda emphasized that these events are deeply alarming and highlight the urgent need for the Lesotho authorities to take immediate action to ensure Boloetse's safety. She called for a thorough investigation into the incident, stressing that any suspects should be held accountable through fair proceedings.
Boloetse's abduction and mistreatment are indicative of the ongoing threats faced by journalists and human rights defenders in Lesotho. Amnesty International and other organizations strongly condemn any violence, threats, or intimidation targeting those who exercise their right to freedom of expression. Such actions should never be tolerated and must be punished to uphold the principle of free and safe journalism.
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