Statement by the National Executive Bureau of the Cameroon Journalists' Trade Union (NEB/CJTU) on the second day of mourning by the media and the release by the Presidency of the Republic.
Statement by the National Executive Bureau of the Cameroon Journalists' Trade Union (NEB/CJTU)
The NEB of CJTU salutes in it's entity, the second day of mourning in black by media personnel in the country on Wednesday, February 1, 2023. All Union chapters have respected the word by order of the SNJC. Militant action around this drama has only just begun and is already bearing fruit.
Briefed by CJTU, the secretary general of the International Federation of Journalists, comrade Anthony Bellanger, declared that the murder of journalist Martinez Zogo was unacceptable and should be fully investigated.
"Martinez's murder is a terrible indication of the level of intolerance of truth and accountability. He was only doing his job in exposing corruption and abuse of power. The fact that he was killed for having exercised his right as a journalist to inform the public on matters of general interest shows that there are forces opposed to a democratic regime in Cameroon." He said
Through a press release dated February 2, 2023, the Secratary General at the Presidency of the Republic (SGPR) informs the public that in execution of the very high instructions of the President of the Republic, a mixed police and gendarmerie commission of enquiry has been set up and that some suspects have already been arrested.
CJTU is pleased to note that this is the first time that a case of violence against a journalist has been engaged so quickly. Moreover, the Head of State pays tribute to the deceased journalist and supports the profession.
The heinous, scandalous and odious murder of Martinez ZOGO was one too many attacks on the life journalists.
CJTU has said and repeats: no attack on freedom of expression, no obstacle to the work of a journalist and more so the attack on the life of its members shall be tolerated.
The steps taken by CJTU in the nuclear and professional families, with certain authorities are already giving some glimmers of hope.
While calling on CJTU members and sympathizes to remain mobilized, the NEB notes that:
1. The Attorney General at the Court of Appeal of the Center received comrade Marion OBAM, national president of CJTU and declared that this is the first time that he has received an organization's official in the context of such an incident.
2. The governors of the regions, despite their busy schedules, received the delegations led by the chapter executives of CJTU on Wednesday, February 1, 2023.
3- CJTU request the joint commission of inquiry to work calmly but speedily because the nuclear and professional families as well ad all the Cameroonian people are thirsty for justice.
CJTU therefore intends to maintain the pressure until all the perpetrators and sponsors of the assassination of Martinez ZOGO are unmasked, tried and sentenced.
The actions will be carried out peacefully but with firmness. Any violence against journalists will no longer be tolerated.
One for all! All for one. CJTU is on the front!
May the solidarity of all be the guarantee of everyone's safety!
Done in Douala, February 2, 2023
For the NEB/CJTU
Hilaire HAMEKOUE
General secretary.