Vision 4 journalist Bruno Bidjang was sentenced to six months in prison by the Yaoundé Military Court for spreading false news on social media.
The verdict, delivered on July 11, 2024, comes nearly five months after Bidjang was arrested over a video he posted on February 2 calling on Cameroonians to protest the government’s increase in gasoline prices.
A conviction based on Article 113 of the Criminal Code
Bruno Bidjang pleaded guilty at the first hearing, and after several postponements, the court delivered its verdict based on Article 113 of the Penal Code, which provides for a sentence of three months to three years for spreading false information.
Having already served five of his six-month sentence, the former deputy director of Vision 4 is due to be released in August 2024.
A case that sparks debates on freedom of the press
His arrest and subsequent detention sparked discussions about the challenges facing journalists in Cameroon, particularly regarding freedom of expression and the risks associated with covering sensitive topics.
Before his arrest, Bruno Bidjang was the head of the television station of Jean Pierre Amougou Belinga, a billionaire currently detained for his alleged involvement in the murder of journalist Martinez Zogo last year.
Bidjang himself had been questioned in connection with the murder of Martinez Zogo but was later released. His arrest in February followed accusations of spreading false news.
An uncertain media environment
The case of Bruno Bidjang illustrates the precarious position of journalists in Cameroon, where covering controversial subjects can lead to serious consequences.
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) ranked Cameroon 130th out of 180 countries in terms of press freedom this year.
Journalists continue to be tried in military courts for simple offences, and RSF stresses that there is no sign that the country will decriminalise press offences anytime soon.
Freedom House, a renowned American organization dedicated to defending democracy around the world, declared Cameroon “not free” in its latest press freedom index.
The country scored 15/100 in terms of press freedom and democracy.
The conviction of Bruno Bidjang is a reminder of the ongoing challenges facing journalists in Cameroon. Freedom of expression remains an area where significant progress is needed to ensure a free and independent press.
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