The Guinean Press Professionals Union (SPPG) has reported a disturbing surge in attacks on press freedom throughout 2024, documenting at least 70 incidents of aggression against journalists and media outlets. In its comprehensive annual report, released on Tuesday, the SPPG highlighted a series of judicial and administrative abuses, including arbitrary arrests, threats, and censorship, all contributing to a growing climate of fear and repression for the media in Guinea.
The union’s report points to a troubling trend in which journalists and media workers are increasingly targeted for their work, with little regard for their legal protections or rights to free expression. These attacks have included physical violence, harassment, and attempts to silence critical voices through legal means. The SPPG emphasized that many of these assaults occurred during the coverage of politically sensitive events, highlighting the risks faced by journalists reporting on issues related to governance, human rights, and corruption.
In particular, the report sheds light on multiple cases where journalists were arrested or detained under questionable circumstances, often without clear legal justification. Additionally, there have been several instances where media outlets were shut down, or their coverage was heavily censored by government authorities. The union expressed deep concern over the lack of accountability for those responsible for these attacks, noting that legal actions against perpetrators have been rare or ineffective.
The SPPG’s findings are also consistent with broader trends in the country, where increasing restrictions on media freedom have been observed over the past several years. The report outlines how government officials and security forces have regularly targeted media outlets critical of the administration, undermining the fundamental principles of a free and independent press.
International press freedom organizations have also voiced their concern about the deteriorating media landscape in Guinea. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and other global watchdogs have condemned the rising repression, calling for stronger protections for journalists and a commitment from the Guinean government to uphold the rights enshrined in its constitution and international treaties.
The SPPG’s report serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by media professionals in Guinea, as the country struggles to balance press freedom with political stability. The union has called on the government to take urgent action to address these attacks and ensure that journalists can carry out their work without fear of retaliation or censorship.
As Guinea prepares for upcoming elections, the situation remains tense, with many fearing that press freedom could be further eroded as political pressures mount. The SPPG has pledged to continue advocating for the protection of journalists and the restoration of a free and open media environment in the country.
