Belarus Frees American, Journalist, and Activist in Surprise Diplomatic Breakthrough
February 12, 2025
White House-AP Dispute Over “Gulf of Mexico” Naming Highlights Press Freedom Battle
February 13, 2025
February 12, 2025 – Madacasgar –
Investigative journalist Fernand Cello, affiliated with the daily newspaper Basy Vava, was arrested at his home in Madagascar’s capital, Antananarivo, and detained at Antanimora prison. His detention has been marked by a lack of access to legal counsel, family, or colleagues, raising serious concerns about due process and press freedom.
Cello’s arrest stems from a September 2023 Facebook post in which he inaccurately claimed that President Andry Rajoelina and other top officials had fled to France. Although he promptly retracted the statement and issued a public apology, authorities charged him with spreading false news and undermining national security. These charges led to his pretrial detention, despite the absence of a clear legal justification.
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has condemned Cello’s detention as a blatant abuse of power aimed at silencing a journalist known for exposing corruption and governmental misconduct. RSF’s Sub-Saharan Africa Bureau Director, Sadibou Marong, emphasized that the detention violates fundamental rights and called for Cello’s immediate release.
Cello has a history of facing governmental pressure. In 2016, his media outlet, Radio Jupiter, was raided by the military, forcing him into hiding. He was arrested in 2017 and received a two-year suspended sentence, which was later overturned on appeal.
The current detention of Fernand Cello underscores the challenges faced by journalists in Madagascar and raises broader concerns about press freedom in the region. International organizations continue to advocate for his release and for the protection of journalists’ rights to report without fear of retribution.
Reference –
