Jailed Ivorian Journalists Freed With Help From 1000 Change.org Members

Last week, I wrote here about the case of three journalists who were arrested in the West African nation of Cote d'Ivoire after publishing a story about the findings of a government inquiry into corruption in the management of the cocoa industry. Over a thousand Change.org readers quickly jumped into action to demand the release of these journalists and today we achieved our victory!

After being threatened with up to five years in prison and a huge fine, Théophile Kouamouo, Stéphane Guédé, and Saint Claver Oula of Le Nouveau Courrier where released from jail today. As of this writing, over 1,150 activists on Change.org wrote to Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo and the U.S. Embassy in Abidjan to register concern about this attack on the freedom of the press. Last week, the U.S. Embassy issued a statement in response that expressed concern and emphasized the importance of press freedom.

The actions of Change.org readers helped provide critical international solidarity for journalists in Cote d'Ivoire who organized protests locally in support of their colleagues. Throughout last week, reporters held rallies in the capital of Abidjan and last Friday, braving police harassment and tear gas as they held a sit in at the Justice Department. You can see photographs from the rally on Facebook here.

While this is a big victory for human rights activists, the ruling today also put a 15 day suspension on Le Nouveau Courrier and levied a 5 million CFA (roughly $10,000 USD) fine against the three journalists. This is too high a price to pay for a free press. The fine is a reminder that there is more work to be done to protect freedom of the press in Cote d'Ivoire. Additionally, we need to remember that the corruption and labor rights abuses that pervade the cocoa industry continue. You can sign this petition to tell big chocolate companies to do their part in ensuring that cocoa farmers get a fair share of the profits from the global chocolate industry.

We have more work ahead to ensure that freedom of the press and labor rights are protected in Cote d'Ivoire, but today let's celebrate our success and honor the work of those brave individuals who speak out to expose abuse.