The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is “closely monitoring the case,” an official source told Lusa.
RTP journalist and correspondent in Guinea-Bissau, Waldir Araújo, was attacked and robbed this Sunday in central Bissau by unknown individuals.
Araújo stated to local media that the assault and aggression might have political motivations. The attackers allegedly accused RTP of “tarnishing the image of Guinea-Bissau abroad.”
In a statement, RTP’s Editorial Board “expresses complete solidarity with the journalist,” wished him “a quick recovery” and reaffirmed “commitment to the defense of the integrity and safety of all media professionals.”
The Editorial Board also strongly condemned “any form of violence against journalists, especially if motivated by the free and responsible practice of the profession,” emphasizing that freedom of the press “is an essential pillar of democracy and must be protected in all contexts.”
“We also call on the competent authorities for a swift and effective judicial investigation of the facts, to ensure that those responsible are identified and held accountable,” it added.
The journalist, who has been RTP’s correspondent in Bissau since 2019, preferred to provide more details about the incident after filing a complaint with the Judiciary Police and receiving medical treatment at home.
Images published by the blog “Ditadura Sem Consenso,” which denounced the assault, show Waldir Araújo with part of his face covered in blood.
The Guinea-Bissau Union of Journalists and Communication Technicians (Sinjotecs) has also reacted, condemning the assault and calling for an investigation by authorities.
“We demand from the competent authorities a swift and thorough investigation, with the identification and accountability of the perpetrators of this attack,” said Sinjotecs, in a statement accessed by Lusa.
