Togo Government Asserts Strong Evidence Against French Filmmakers

Togo's government has publicly stated that it possesses "serious and corroborative evidence" against two French filmmakers and their Togolese associate, arrested in July. The trio, identified as Gaël Mocaër, Sebastian Perez Pezzani, and Fred Vedomey, face charges of making "false declarations," which they vehemently deny.

The filmmakers were detained on July 27 while working on a documentary for France Televisions. A joint statement from Togo's justice and security ministries indicated that the use of a drone in areas deemed sensitive due to potential jihadist threats was a key reason for their arrest.

Reports from their lawyer, Martial Akakpo, confirmed that the filmmakers had obtained necessary filming permits. Meanwhile, media advocacy group Reporters Without Borders has called for their immediate release, expressing concern for Perez Pezzani's deteriorating health, with warnings of potential sepsis.

Source: www.france24.com