A high court in Chad on Tuesday acquitted four journalists accused of colluding with Russia’s Wagner Group, in a case that had drawn strong criticism from press freedom advocates and human rights groups.
Three of the journalists—Olivier Monodji, Ndilyam Guekidata, and Mahamat Saleh Alhissein—had been detained since March. Their arrest sparked an outcry over what many saw as a broader crackdown on independent media in the Central African country.
Prosecutors had sought two-year prison terms, alleging the journalists shared sensitive national security and economic information with operatives linked to the Russian paramilitary network. However, the court found no credible evidence to support the charges.
“We are relieved and satisfied our clients have been cleared,” said Alain Ndilyam, a member of the defence team. “Their prolonged detention was unjustified, especially given their journalistic status and the flimsy nature of the accusations.”
Among the acquitted was Monodji, director of the weekly Le Pays and a correspondent for Radio France Internationale. Guekidata serves as Le Pays editor, while Alhissein works for the state-run broadcaster Tele Tchad. A fourth journalist, Ahmat Ali Adji of Toumai Web Media, had also been charged but was not held in custody.
The case was based on what prosecutors called “incriminating documents” submitted by an anonymous tipster, but no substantial details were presented in court.
Media watchdogs hailed the ruling as a rare win for journalistic freedom in Chad, where reporters frequently face harassment, surveillance, and censorship.
“This verdict is a positive signal, but the overall media climate remains deeply fragile,” said one observer from a regional press union.
Though the acquittal has been celebrated by advocates, many caution that systemic reforms are still needed to protect press independence in Chad.