In Benin, the High Authority of Audiovisual and Communication (HAAC) urges media actors to demonstrate professionalism in the coverage of the Nigerien crisis. The regulatory institution reminded that promoting a coup d’état is a criminal offense.
HAAC’s warning against promoting a coup d’état in the media. According to HAAC, media outlets must refrain from making biased comments that promote the forcible takeover of power by coup leaders. “Coup d’état is considered a crime according to our fundamental law, and its promotion is a punishable offense,” reminded Rémi Prosper Moretti.
The president of HAAC reminds media professionals that their code of conduct demands professional rigor when dealing with information that may disturb public order. When necessary, journalists must exercise “a certain level of caution.”
The Nigerien news has dominated media headlines since July 26 when General Tiani and his comrades overthrew Mohamed Bazoum. The coup has been denounced and contested by ECOWAS, which vows to restore Mohamed Bazoum to power by all means.
