Equatorial Guinea: Opposition under threat

The authorities accuse the party of introducing the radio transmitter into the country illegally; illegal possession of a transmitter and clandestine broadcasting, and refusing to hand over to the authorities the transmitting equipment. [...] The absence of an independent media in Equatorial Guinea hampers the development of a human rights culture in the country and contributes to the perpetration and perpetuation of human rights violations. [...] Amnesty International calls on the Equatorial Guinea authorities to respect, promote and protect the right to freedom of expression and the press, as guaranteed by Equatorial Guinea’s Constitution and the international treaties to which the country is a party to. [...] Background The authorities allege that CPDS has violated the law on political parties as well as the law on the press, printing and audiovisuals, and have demanded the party hands over the transmitting equipment prior to being granted authorisation. [...] On 26 August 2008 the Secretary-General of CPDS wrote to the Ministers of Interior and Information to inform them of the party’s intention to set up a radio station, Onda Libre (Free Wave), in accordance with the law.