IFJ - International Federation of Journalists
IFJ - International Federation of Journalists
03/23/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/23/2026 08:53
Côte d’Ivoire: Judicial intimidation against journalists’ leaders
23 March 2026
Côte d'Ivoire: Judicial intimidation against journalists' leaders
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the Federation of African Journalists (FAJ) strongly condemn the summons issued to Jean-Claude Coulibaly, President of the UNJCI, by the Abidjan Public Prosecutor on 24 March 2026.
Jean-Claude Coulibaly
This summons, issued without clear grounds and targeting a leading trade union figure, constitutes unacceptable pressure and a clear attempt to intimidate the entire journalistic community in Côte d'Ivoire. The IFJ and FAJ also express their solidarity with Bertin N'Guessan, President of the UNJCI Board.
The IFJ and FAJ recall that trade union freedoms and freedom of expression are guaranteed under international law, including ILO Conventions and the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights.
They express their full support for Jean-Claude Coulibaly and reaffirm their strong backing for the free and independent holding of the journalists' congress in Côte d'Ivoire.
They call for an immediate end to any judicial pressure against trade union leaders.
IFJ - International Federation of Journalists published this content on March 23, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on March 23, 2026 at 14:53 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]