Gambiaj.com – (DAKAR, Senegal) – Senegal is once again facing questions about press freedom as two prominent journalists, Kader Dia and Cheikh Yérim Seck, have been referred to the prosecutor for allegedly disseminating false news. Both were summoned by the Special Cybersecurity Division, with their cases expected to advance toward judicial investigations this week.
Kader Dia, a columnist for Sen TV and a member of the D-Media Group, was referred to the prosecutor yesterday. According to reports, Dia is set to appear before the public prosecutor today, where he could face a judicial inquiry. Sources indicate that an indictment by the investigating judge may be imminent, potentially leading to his remand in custody.
In a parallel case, Cheikh Yérim Seck, a former journalist with Jeune Afrique, was also referred to the prosecutor this morning. Seck faces charges of defamation and spreading false news. His legal troubles stem from statements made during a television program, where he allegedly questioned the figures presented by Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko. An authorized source confirmed that Seck’s appearance before the public prosecutor could result in a judicial investigation, further complicating his situation.
The wave of legal action against journalists has drawn sharp criticism from media rights organizations. The executive director of Reporters Without Borders (RSF) Sub-Saharan Africa, Sadhibou Maronne, expressed concern about the increasing number of journalist summonses in Senegal. He noted that the trend mirrors worrying practices from the past, recalling a period when journalists frequently faced police interrogations, imprisonments, and accusations.
“It is still quite deplorable to see that the demons of the past are resurfacing in Senegal, as shown by yesterday’s summons of journalist Cheikh Yérim Seck, followed by his custody,” Maronne stated. He added that the persistent targeting of journalists reflects a troubling regression in media freedom in the country.
Maronne defended Seck’s right to criticize government figures, pointing out that challenging official statements is a key responsibility of journalists worldwide. “If it is established that he was summoned for expressing reservations about figures announced by Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, we believe that he is always in his role as a journalist. There is no harm in a journalist being critical,” he emphasized.
The cases of Kader Dia and Cheikh Yérim Seck come amid growing concerns about the state of press freedom in Senegal, as media professionals increasingly find themselves in legal crosshairs for their reporting. Media rights groups fear that this trend could have a chilling effect on journalistic independence and critical reporting in the country.
