Togo detains French filmmakers over alleged immigration violations, advocacy group says
Summary
Two French documentary filmmakers and their Togolese assistant were arrested in Togo and charged with making false statements about their immigration status. They were filming a documentary in northern Togo, an area affected by armed groups, and have been held since late July while tensions rise between Togo and French media.Key Facts
- Gaël Mocaër and Sebastian Perez Pezzani, French filmmakers, and Fred Vedomey, their Togolese fixer, were detained in Togo.
- They were charged with making false statements in immigration paperwork.
- The filmmakers were shooting a documentary for a French public TV channel in Kara, northern Togo.
- Northern Togo faces security issues from armed groups linked to al-Qaida and ISIS.
- Relations between Togo and French media have been tense, with French broadcasters suspended in 2025.
- Russia and Togo recently strengthened ties, including a military agreement signed last year.
- Togo’s Culture Minister said the filmmakers lacked proper authorization for their work.
- Reporters Without Borders called for their immediate release, noting one filmmaker’s serious health problems.
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