Several Arrested at Press Freedom Rally in Guinea

Journalists had gathered at Press House, where meetings and media conferences are usually held, in preparation for a day of demonstrations against restrictions on press freedom and internet access.

For several weeks, access to the internet has been severely limited in the West African nation, which has been ruled by military leaders since a 2021 coup.

Authorities have also imposed restrictions on non-official media, with social networks and private radio stations cut off, news websites interrupted or suspended and journalists assaulted or arrested.

Two gendarmes' pick-up vehicles arrived at Thursday's rally and forcibly removed about five journalists, AFP's correspondent at the scene said.

One of the pick-ups was positioned in front of Press House to prevent anyone from leaving.

Two press officials speaking on condition of anonymity said in total around 10 journalists had been arrested at Press House and elsewhere in Conakry's suburbs. All were taken to the gendarmerie.

"The endless escalation of attacks against the press in Guinea must stop," media advocacy group Reporters Without Borders (RSF) posted on X, formerly Twitter, in reaction to the day's events.

The group called for the arrested journalists to be released and the exits of Press House to be unblocked.

The arrests follow a strong warning issued late Wednesday by Guinea's Minister of Territorial Administration.

"I reassure the people of Guinea (of) the government's determination to put these individuals out of action and to prosecute the perpetrators and sponsors of any acts of violence that may occur following these calls for demonstrations," Mory Conde said on state television.

'Security problem'

The Union of Press Professionals of Guinea (SPPG) had called for a demonstration Thursday "to free the media and social networks."

It was supported by the National Front for the Defence of the Constitution (FNDC), a coalition of opposition parties and civil society groups which continues to speak out against the ruling junta despite its dissolution.

Guinea's military leaders banned demonstrations in 2022 and the SPPG has limited resources. The country's press community is also divided.

Any political or social organisations involved in Thursday's protest risk being suspended or banned, Conde added.

Guinea's foreign minister last week told foreign diplomats that internet access curbs were needed because of an unspecified "security problem."

Around 15 ambassadors or representatives including from the European Union, the United States and China met Morissanda Kouyate to voice concerns about restrictions on freedom of expression and internet access.

Authorities on Wednesday suspended the news website depecheguinee.com for nine months following an article claiming a considerable amount of Guinean public funds may have been embezzled and blocked in Dubai.

French journalist Thomas Dietrich was also recently arrested in Guinea's capital Conakry, according to French trade union SNJ-CGT, after taking part in an investigation into the National Petroleum Company SONAP and the assets of its general director.