Casimir Kpedjo, the managing editor of the newspaper ‘New Economy’ (Nouvelle Economie), was charged with publishing “false information’’ on 23 April. The charge is in relation to articles from the New Economy newspaper that Casimir shared on Facebook about the economic situation in Benin. He has been released on bail pending his trial which begins on 2 May.
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President Republic of Benin Patrice Talon
Palais de la Marina
Cotonou, Benin
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @PresidenceBenin
HE Mr. Jean-Claude de Rego
Permanent Mission of the Republic of Benin
125 East 38th STreet
New York, NY 10016
Phone: 212 684-1339
Email: [email protected]
Salutation: Dear Mr. Jean-Claude de Rego
Your Excellency Patrice Talon,
I am concerned about the situation of Casimir Kpedjo, the managing editor of the newspaper ‘New Economy’’ (Nouvelle Economie).
Casimir Kpedjo was arrested by the police on 18 April at his house in Cotonou as a result of a complaint from the State Judicial Officer, after he shared articles from the New Economy newspaper on Facebook regarding the economic situation of Benin. He was detained at the Central Office of Repressions against Cyber Crime (Office Centrale des Répressions contre la Cyber-criminalité).
On 23 April, he was charged with publishing ‘’false information’’ by the Court of Repression of Economic Offenses and Terrorism. The same day he was released on bail pending trial.
His trial begins on 2 May. I urge you to ensure that the charge of publishing ‘’false information’’ against Casimir Kpedjo is dropped immediately as he has been charged solely for exercising his right to freedom of expression; and that the right to freedom of expression is fully respected, protected, promoted and fulfilled in Benin.
Yours sincerely,
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