Front Line expresses its concern at the increasing number of instances of intimidation and harassment of human rights defenders and journalists in Cameroon, targeted for their exposure of human rights violations and bad governance and embezzlement of public funds.

Further Information

One of the last episodes concerns Ms Maximilienne Ngo Mbe, Secretary General of Solidarité pour la promotion des droits de l'homme et des peuples (PRODHOP) and Executive Director of the Human Rights Defenders Network of Central Africa (REDHAC) .

On 20 March, she received an anonymous threatening letter. The letter, delivered to her workplace, warned her as follows: You've got to keep quiet. Otherwise, even your work will end. You will to pay dearly in every way for all you do to tarnish the image of the president of the republic.

The letter follows other instances of intimidation against PRODHOP. In August 2009, an unknown man entered Maximilienne Ngo Mbe's residence in her absence, claiming that he had been called by her to repair a TV set. PRODHOP reported this to the police. A few months earlier, in February 2009, one of Maximilienne Ngo Mbe's children received two threatening phone calls. According to the information received, she is under surveillance since December 2008.

Another member of PRODHOP, journalist Mr Alex Gustave Azebaze , is currently on trial for 'disseminating false information' and 'unlawful possession of documents'. The next hearing of his trial is scheduled for 13 April.

The trial started on 29 February 2010. Alex Gustave Azebaze's prosecution follows his reporting on the investigations and unfair trials against former ministers and officials arrested during an anti-corruption operation called ' Opération Epervier '.

Four days after his participation to a TV show in 2008, Alex Azebaze was called in to the police station and a year later he was notified about the charges brought against him and summoned to appear before the First Instance Criminal Court.

The number of journalists targeted for their reporting on human rights violations, unfair trials, corruption and embezzlement of public funds is increasing. A total of six journalists are currently on trial.

In February 2010, at least five more journalists, working at the daily Le Messager, at the weekly Le Devoir, Cameroun Expres and Bebela, and at the bi-monthly La Nation, have been arrested and detained for their reporting on the above listed issues.

Of grave concern is the case of Mr Simon Hervé Nko'o , journalist with Bebela. He was detained incommunicado from 5 to 12 February for his alleged role in the investigations on a case of embezzlement of public funds.

Once released, he stated having been subjected to water boarding, sleep deprivation and exposure to cold during his detention. A medical examination also confirmed that he had been beaten on the feet sole and bruises were still present more than ten days after his release.