AA / Bamako / Amarana Maiga
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) on Friday invited the authorities of the transition of Mali to reconsider the definitive suspension of Radio France Internationale (RFI) and France 24 decided by the High Authority of the Communication (HAC) said the organization in a statement seen by Anadolu Agency.
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights says it is “deeply dismayed” by the decision of the Malian media regulator to permanently suspend the French radio station Radio France internationale (RFI) and the French television channel France 24.
“We call on Mali’s transitional military authorities to reverse this ban and allow independent media to operate freely in the country,” OHCHR spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani said at a press briefing. regular in Geneva.
She further stressed that “these suspensions are the latest in a series of actions aimed at restricting freedom of the press and freedom of expression in Mali, and they come at a time of heightened critical scrutiny , and not least, is necessary” adding that “our office continues to document serious allegations of violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law in many parts of the country, and we remain seriously concerned about the measures aimed at further shrinking the already limited civic space”.
Ravina recalls that an open and pluralistic civic space that guarantees freedom of expression and opinion, as well as freedom of assembly and association, “is a prerequisite for development and lasting peace”.
Shamdasani said the suspensions were first imposed by the government on March 16, accusing the two outlets of broadcasting “false allegations” about reports of human rights abuses by the Malian military.
The High Authority for Communication announced, on April 27, the definitive withdrawal of authorizations to establish and operate RFI and France 24 in Mali.
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