DRC: Women Press Freedom Demands Investigation into Assault of Tatiana Osango
Group of seven attackers, allegedly affiliated with the ruling party, say they were following directives from the party's Secretary General
Location: Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kinshasa
Date: June 5, 2024
Women Press Freedom strongly condemns the brutal assault on journalist Tatiana Osango following her critical interview with opposition figure India Omari, in which President Felix Tshisekedi's policies were scrutinized. The unwarranted aggression toward journalists fulfilling their professional duties is unacceptable. We call for a comprehensive and transparent investigation to swiftly bring to justice those responsible for perpetrating violence against Osango in order to combat the pervasive culture of targeting media professionals. Authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo must guarantee journalists the freedom to report without hindrance and hold those in power accountable, without any threats of retaliation or physical harm.
Tatiana Osango, a journalist with Réaco News, was violently attacked, coordinated by a faction allegedly associated with the ruling party, The Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS). The perpetrators asserted they were following instructions from the party's Secretary General, Augustin Kabuya, following Osango's interview with opposition figure India Omari, during which Tshisekedi's policies were critiqued.
Osango’s interview with Omari centered on political developments and included criticism of Tshisekedi's proposals to amend the DRC's constitution.
Following the attack, Osango underwent treatment at a hospital in Kinshasa for a broken tooth that required extraction and injuries to her leg. Presently, she is utilizing a crutch for mobility.
Despite the gravity of the attack, Osango refrained from reporting it to the police, citing doubts about a fair investigation due to her critical reporting history.
The assault on Osango adds to a series of incidents documented by Women Press Freedom, highlighting the challenges faced by journalists in the DRC, including physical attacks, arrests, and censorship. The journalistic community continues to navigate a hostile environment, with regulatory bodies imposing restrictions on media coverage and commentary.
Women Press Freedom stands in steadfast solidarity with Tatiana Osango. We strongly denounce the physical assault on Osango. We emphasize the crucial necessity to uphold press freedom and ensure the safety of journalists covering vital topics in the region. We call for a thorough investigation and accountability for the perpetrators to combat the culture of violence against media professionals, particularly women journalists who are at higher risk of such threats.
Women Press Freedom is an initiative by The Coalition For Women In Journalism
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.
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