The journalists have spent more than three weeks in detention after being arrested while filming a documentary in northern Togo.
Lomé, Togo (Running Africa) — Togolese authorities have charged two French journalists with making “false declarations” while working on a documentary in the country, despite claims that they had obtained the required visas and filming permits, according to Reporters Without Borders (RSF).
Journalists Gaël Mocaër and Sebastian Perez Pezzani were arrested on July 27 while filming for France Télévisions in northern Togo. Their Togolese fixer, Fred Vedomey, was also detained.
The three remain in pre-trial detention near the capital, Lomé, as press freedom groups call for their immediate release.
RSF has also raised concerns about Perez Pezzani’s health, saying the journalist has serious medical problems and requires urgent treatment.
French Journalists Charged With ‘False Declarations’ in Togo
Togolese authorities have accused Mocaër and Perez Pezzani of making false declarations connected to their work in the country.
The precise basis for the charges has not been fully detailed publicly.
Their employer, Tony Comiti Productions, disputes any suggestion that the journalists were operating improperly, maintaining that they had complied with Togo’s administrative requirements.
The production company said the pair possessed the necessary visas and filming authorizations and were in Togo solely for professional purposes.
The allegations against the journalists have not been proven in court.
Journalists Arrested While Filming France Télévisions Documentary
Mocaër and Perez Pezzani were working on a documentary for France Télévisions when they were detained in northern Togo.
Vedomey, who was assisting the journalists locally, was arrested alongside them.
All three have remained in custody since July 27 and are being held in pre-trial detention near Lomé.
Their continued detention has attracted growing attention from international media organizations and press freedom advocates.
RSF Raises Concern Over Sebastian Perez Pezzani’s Health
RSF has expressed particular concern about the health of Perez Pezzani.
The organization says he suffers from serious health problems and requires urgent medical attention while in detention.
RSF has called on Togolese authorities to release all three detainees immediately and ensure that their rights are respected.
The health concerns add urgency to a case already under scrutiny for the treatment of journalists in Togo.
Arrests Renew Togo Press Freedom Concerns
The case has renewed questions about press freedom in Togo, particularly the environment in which foreign correspondents and international media organizations operate.
French media outlets and foreign journalists have faced increasing restrictions in the country, contributing to concerns about access and independent reporting.
The detention of journalists who, according to their employer, had obtained the required authorizations is likely to intensify scrutiny of how Togolese authorities regulate foreign media activity.
The government maintains that the journalists face allegations under the country’s laws, while their employer and RSF dispute the circumstances surrounding the case.
France Monitoring Detained Journalists in Togo
French authorities say they are monitoring the situation, including the detainees’ treatment and access to legal assistance.
The case could become a wider diplomatic issue if the journalists remain in custody, particularly given their work for a major French public broadcaster.
For now, Mocaër, Perez Pezzani, and Vedomey remain detained as legal proceedings continue.
With RSF demanding their release and concerns mounting over Perez Pezzani’s health, the case has become another focal point in the debate over media freedom and the treatment of journalists in Togo.
