Angola Charges Journalist with Terrorism for Reporting on Taxi Strike
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A journalist for Angola's public broadcaster now faces terrorism charges. His crime? Sending text messages about a taxi strike.
The messages described the strike and advised citizens to stay home. Authorities have charged the journalist, Amor Carlos Tomé, under the country's terrorism law. The case has sparked immediate alarm among press freedom advocates.
They argue that treating journalistic communication as a terrorist act sets a dangerous precedent. It blurs the line between reporting on public events and inciting violence.
The charges stem from a strike by taxi drivers in the capital, Luanda. The protest disrupted city traffic.
Legal experts note the case will test the application of Angola's criminal law. It raises urgent questions about the space for free speech and reporting in the southern African nation.
The judicial proceedings against Tomé are ongoing.