The directors of the three Portuguese public media outlets have accused the Guinea-Bissau government of “silencing journalists” in a “discriminatory and selective action” that constitutes “a deliberate attack on freedom of expression,” according to a statement of rejection.
The government of Guinea-Bissau has decided to expel the delegations of the Lusa agency, RTP, and RDP from the country, suspend their broadcasts with immediate effect, and order their representatives to leave the country by Tuesday.
No reasons for this decision have been disclosed.
“We consider the expulsion of our journalists an assault on the fundamental principles guiding journalistic activity. These actions equally violate democracy and the rule of law,” state the three Information Directors – Luísa Meireles (Lusa), Mário Galego (RDP), and Vítor Gonçalves (RTP).
In the statement, these officials express their solidarity with the professionals of the three outlets in Bissau, as well as “all journalists who endeavor to uphold a fundamental societal pillar, which is the right to information.”
The Information Directors demand that journalists from LUSA, the radio, and RTP television be allowed to continue exercising their right to inform in Guinea-Bissau.
