Ivorian Journalist Still Under Judicial Supervision Two Years After Arrest

Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire – Nearly two years after his arrest, Hamed Kassambara, programme director of Radio Foundara FM in Ferkessédougou, remains under judicial supervision, barred from leaving the country and required to report to judicial authorities every two weeks.

Kassambara, who also serves as president of the Network of Communicators, Media, and Press Correspondents of Tchologo, was arrested in October 2022 on allegations of defaming the Ivorian president through a fake Facebook profile. Despite a lack of evidence linking him to the account, he was detained for four days by the National Gendarmerie and later imprisoned at the Maison d’arrêt et de correction d’Abidjan (MACA) for 20 days before being released under strict judicial conditions.

Recounting his ordeal, Kassambara revealed that he was subjected to harsh detention conditions and had his phones confiscated for investigation. His arrest has drawn condemnation from press freedom advocates, who view it as part of a broader crackdown on journalists in Côte d’Ivoire.

Despite his release, the ongoing judicial supervision restricts his movement and professional activities, raising concerns over press freedom in the country.