Journaliste en danger (JED) has applauded the February 19 release of Bwamputu Akienzin Zéphyrin, a correspondent for the public broadcaster RTNC in Bandundu province, western Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Zéphyrin had been facing charges of making damaging allegations against a former RTNC director.
A Bandundu court declared the charges pending against the journalist unfounded, acquitting him on all counts at his fifth court appearance.
Zéphyrin was originally summoned to court in December 2008 on a defamation charge brought by Marie Théodore Kipulu Samba, a former RTNC director, after he broadcast the news of Kipulu's sacking as director of RTNC-Bandundu. Kipulu asked the court for US$50,000 in damages, in addition to the sentence provided for by law. His request was denied.
