Senegalese media hold curfew in protest against government crackdown on press freedom

Senegalese media organizations imposed a news blackout on Tuesday to protest what they say is a government crackdown on press freedom. Major television channels such as TFM, ITV and 7 TV have suspended broadcasts, and radio stations such as RFM and iradio have remained silent. Most newspapers have also ceased publication, with the exception of pro-government outlets Le Soleil, WalfQuotidien and Yoor Yoor Bi. The Senegalese Council of Press Distributors and Publishers accused the government of freezing bank accounts of media companies, confiscating equipment and terminating advertising contracts in retaliation for unpaid taxes. These allegations, published in Le Quotidien, have not been independently verified and government officials have not commented. Tensions between the media and the government have escalated, and international watchdog organizations such as Reporters Without Borders (RSF) have raised concerns about press freedom in the West African country.

SOURCE: AP NEWS