A journalist and RTP correspondent in Guinea-Bissau, Waldir Araújo, was assaulted and robbed today in central Bissau by unidentified individuals.
Waldir Araújo told local media that the assault and aggression may have political motivations. The attackers reportedly accused RTP “of tarnishing the image of Guinea-Bissau abroad.”
In a joint statement, the management of Rádio e Televisão de Portugal condemned the attack and urged the authorities “to urgently investigate the events that occurred this Sunday and hold those responsible accountable.”
In the same statement, they emphasized, “The integrity and safety of professionals is a fundamental condition for the practice of journalism, and all acts that jeopardize them are absolutely condemnable.” They also stated that they are monitoring the situation and in contact with journalist Waldir Araújo, to whom they express full solidarity.
The RTP Editorial Board also expressed “full solidarity” with the station’s correspondent in Guinea-Bissau and called for an investigation into the case, condemning violence against journalists.
A representative from the Union of Journalists and Media Technicians (Sinjotecs) of Guinea-Bissau told Lusa that the organization is following the situation and gathering information to take a stance.
