Vision 4 journalist, Bruno Bidjang, has been sentenced to six months in prison by the Yaounde Military Court for spreading false news on social media.
This verdict, pronounced on July 11, 2024, comes nearly five months after Bidjang was arrested following a video he posted on February 2, urging Cameroonians to protest against a government increase in the price of petrol.
Bidjang pleaded guilty during the first hearing, and after several adjournments, the court handed down the sentence based on Article 113 of the Penal Code, which stipulates a punishment ranging from three months to three years for spreading false information.
Having already served five of the six-month sentence, the former deputy director of Vision 4 is expected to be released in August 2024.
His arrest and subsequent detention have sparked discussions about the challenges faced by journalists in Cameroon, particularly concerning freedom of speech and the risks associated with reporting on sensitive issues.
Before his arrest, Bruno Bidjang was managing the television station of Jean Pierre Amougou Belinga, a business billionaire currently detained for his alleged involvement in the murder of journalist Martinez Zogo last year.
Bidjang himself was questioned in connection to Zogo’s murder but was subsequently released.
His arrest in February was due to charges of spreading false news.
Uncertain Media Environment
Bidjang’s case depicts the precarious position of journalists in Cameroon, where reporting on controversial topics can lead to severe repercussions.
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) ranked Cameroon 130/180 countries in the world in terms of press freedom this year.
Journalists continue to be tried in military courts for simple offenses, with RSF saying there are no signs the country will decriminalize press offenses anytime soon.
Freedom House, a renowned American organization dedicated to defending democracy in the world, declared Cameroon “not free” in its latest index on press freedom.
It scored Cameroon 15/100 in terms of press freedom and democracy.
