Cheikh Yérim Seck, a former journalist for Jeune Afrique, was the first to be released. Seck had been detained by the Special Cybersecurity Division on allegations of disseminating false news and defamation. According to a Senegalese security source, his case has now been closed, marking the end of the legal proceedings against him.
Seck’s arrest had drawn criticism from media watchdogs, who argued that the charges were politically motivated.
On the same day, Bougane Guèye Dani, the owner of D Média Group and a member of the political coalition Samm Sa Kaddu, was also released after meeting with the prosecutor. Dani had been held on accusations of spreading false news, public insults, and defamation. His case, too, was dismissed, signaling a major relief for the media mogul, who has been an outspoken critic of government policies.
Dani’s detention had prompted concerns within the media industry about the increasing pressure on journalists and political commentators in Senegal.
In a separate case, SenTV columnist Kader Dia also regained his freedom after spending 72 hours in police custody. Dia, known for his sharp political commentary, had been arrested for allegedly expressing views that authorities deemed defamatory. In a statement following his release, Dia expressed relief, stating, “Alhamdoulilahi, I was discharged after 72 hours. I have always had confidence in the justice of my country.”
He attributed his arrest to external pressure on the prosecutor, saying, “We did what we had to do as columnists and as citizens. So if there are people who have done everything to influence the prosecutor… I can’t do anything about it, they are like that. But the main thing is that I came out.”
Dia’s words reflect a broader concern about the growing attempts to silence dissenting voices in Senegal. In recent months, there have been increasing reports of journalists and media figures facing legal challenges for expressing their opinions on political and social issues. Media freedom advocates have warned that such actions could create a chilling effect on free speech in the country.
While these releases are a positive step, they also highlight the rising concerns about press freedom and the government using regulation in Senegal to go after journalists. Rights groups and journalists continue to urge the authorities to uphold the principles of free expression, which are enshrined in the country’s constitution, and to refrain from using defamation and cybersecurity laws to target critical voices.
The recent spate of arrests and releases underlines the need for ongoing vigilance in protecting the independence of the press in Senegal as the country prepares for upcoming elections. Journalists, activists, and opposition figures remain at the forefront of efforts to ensure that the media can operate freely without fear of reprisal.
Gambiaj.com – (DAKAR, Senegal)
