Benin: Journalist Faces Trial Over Investigative Report on Extrajudicial Killings

The news editor of Crystal News, a privately-owned online radio station in Benin, Virgile Ahouansè, is set to appear in court on March 13, 2023, for the third hearing in a case where he is accused of publishing false information. If convicted, Ahouansè could face a six-month prison sentence and a fine of 500,000 CFA Francs (approximately USD $802).

His legal troubles began on December 20, 2022, when he was arrested by the Police Criminal Brigade of Cotonou after voluntarily reporting to the station with his lawyers. Authorities charged him with publishing false information with the intent to disturb public peace, a charge linked to an investigative report by Crystal News on alleged extrajudicial killings by the Republican police.

The report, published on December 14, 2022, compiled testimonies from multiple individuals who accused law enforcement officers of carrying out around 20 extrajudicial executions at the Dowa public school in Porto-Novo, Benin’s political capital. However, during police interrogations, some witnesses reportedly retracted or provided conflicting testimonies.

While Ahouansè was released on December 22, 2022, and placed under judicial supervision by the Cour de Répression des Infractions Économiques et du Terrorisme (CRIET), his freedom remains uncertain. His passport has been confiscated, and he must report to the police every Friday.

Despite the ongoing trial, Ahouansè remains confident in the outcome. His case has sparked concerns over press freedom in Benin, where journalists increasingly face legal and institutional pressure for reporting on sensitive issues.