LOME, Togo (AP) — Authorities in Togo have repressed the media and prevented civilians from gathering to protest peacefully, Amnesty International said in a report published Wednesday, ahead of parliamentary elections scheduled to take place at the end of this month. Amnesty International said in its annual report on human rights around the world that two newspapers in Togo were forced to close for several months last year, while a number of journalists were arrested or hit with hefty fines after reporting on corruption. Two journalists in Togo were sentenced to three years in prison after reporting about a minister’s involvement in corruption, but both fled the country to avoid detention. The human rights organization said it had recorded instances in which detainees in prison were tortured or mistreated. The report comes at a time of heightened tension in Togo, a country of about 8 million people that has been ruled by the same family for almost 60 years. Parliamentary elections have been pushed back until April 29, and the government have arrested opposition figures and quashed efforts to organize protests ahead of the vote. |
Gallen throws 6 shutout innings, Carroll drives in 5 as Diamondbacks beat listless Reds 6Canucks facing doubters ahead of 2ndCamping picks up pace as holiday optionOn the field at least, the Nationals and Orioles have had a pretty friendly rivalryHarper hits grand slam, streaking Phillies rout Blue Jays 10Nadal says he is not 100% fit ahead of Madrid debutNadal says he is not 100% fit ahead of Madrid debutRape, terror and death at sea: How a boat carrying Rohingya children, women and men capsizedTürkiye's Istanbul welcomes 1st Chinese tourist group after pandemicFallacies and facts about China's 'overcapacity'