Guinean Journalists Face Physical Assault by Soldiers

Conakry, Guinea – Press freedom in Guinea continues to deteriorate as journalists face increasing physical violence and intimidation by security forces. On May 17, 2023, two reporters, Aliou Maci Diallo of Guinée Info and Mamadou Macka Diallo of Guinée 114, were attacked by soldiers in the Bambéto suburb of Conakry while on a reporting assignment.

The journalists, who were riding a motorcycle, were stopped by soldiers who demanded to know what they were doing, insisting there was "no demonstration" taking place. The confrontation quickly escalated when one of the soldiers verbally abused them, threatened to slash their motorcycle’s rear tyre, and physically assaulted Aliou Maci Diallo, dealing him several hard blows to the head.

This incident is part of a broader crackdown on journalists in Guinea, where security forces have increasingly used violence to silence independent reporting. Press freedom groups have condemned the attack, urging authorities to hold the perpetrators accountable and ensure the safety of journalists in the country.