Kribi Court resumes trial of SNJC Journalist, Joseph Abena

By Tata Mbunwe In Buea

Journalist Joseph Abena Abena is expected at the Kribi magistrate court today Wednesday, August 19, after several weeks.

Since the start of his trial in July this year, the National Syndicate for Cameroonian Journalists, SNJC, has assured him of support against any attempt at silencing free speech.

The South Region correspondent for La Nouvelle L’Expression was sued by Kribi City Mayor, Guy Emmanuel Sabikanda, for allegedly publishing a defamatory article further termed false statement, insult, false news and contempt of public authority.

The journalist was threatened severally by supporters of Mayor Sabikanda during February 9 Legislative/Municipal Elections, according to a July 14 release by SNJC National President, Denis Nkwebo.

Journalist Abena’s case was last heard, Wednesday 15 July 2020, by the Kribi magistrate court.

SNJC said it stands in solidarity with its member, remains calm and trusts the justice system for justice to be meted.

The SNJC had equally stated that government should protect journalist from political intimidation and that the SDO for Ocean Division should ascertain the facts of the article published by Journalist Abena.