Ivorian Journalist Placed Under Judicial Supervision Over Corruption Reports

Abidjan, Ivory Coast – A judge in Abidjan has placed Barthélémy Téhin, managing editor of Le Panafricain, under judicial supervision following his reports on alleged corruption within the country’s customs administration.

Téhin, who was formally charged with defamation, must now report to the judge every 15 days and seek approval before leaving Abidjan. The legal action stems from a complaint filed by the customs administration after Le Panafricain published 10 investigative articles on March 28, detailing alleged embezzlement of public funds involving a senior customs officer.

The journalist maintains that he adhered to ethical reporting standards, reaching out to customs officials for comment before publishing, but received no response. Notably, the National Press Authority has not issued any warnings against him.

Media watchdogs, including the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), have condemned the judicial restrictions. "Ivorian authorities must immediately lift the judicial supervision placed on Barthélémy Téhin and allow him to work freely without restrictions," said Angela Quintal, CPJ’s Africa program coordinator.

The case raises concerns about press freedom in Ivory Coast, with critics arguing that judicial supervision is being used as a tool to intimidate journalists and suppress investigative reporting.