Sadhibou Maronne spoke this Wednesday on Rfm on the all-out summons noted in recent days in Senegal, including that of Cheikh Yérim Seck. The executive director of RSF Sub-Saharan Africa maintains that the latter is in his role as a journalist, however critical his remarks may be.
For him, “ It is still quite deplorable to see that the demons of the past are resurfacing in Senegal, as shown by the summons since yesterday of journalist Cheikh Yerim Seck followed by his custody. I point out that it was in Senegal that we saw a few months ago with an incessant parade of journalists in police premises, imprisonments and accusations« .
« For the case of Cheikh Yérim Seck, if it is established that he was summoned for having, during a television program, expressed reservations about figures announced by Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, we consider that he is always in his role as a journalist because every day and in all countries in the world, journalists in the exercise of their functions may be required to do this. There is nothing wrong with a journalist being critical“, recalled Mr. Maronne taken up by Seneweb.
He demands the release of journalist Cheikh Yérim Seck while urging the new authorities to respect press freedom. “ This difference in tone must be respected by the new authorities, even if Cheikh Yérim Seck is also known to be very critical. We, RSF, demand his release and remind the Senegalese authorities to ensure that no journalist is deprived of their freedom in the exercise of their functions“, he adds.
