Togo's government has announced it possesses "serious and corroborative evidence" against two French documentary filmmakers and their Togolese colleague, who have been detained in the West African nation since late July. The statement marks the first public comment by the authorities on the case involving Gaël Mocaër, Sébastian Perez Pezzani, and their Togolese fixer, Fred Vedomey.
Arrest and Charges
The three men were arrested on July 27 and are being held on charges of making "false declarations." Their lawyer, Martial Akakpo, has stated that they deny all charges against them. The case has drawn international attention, with press freedom advocates closely monitoring developments.
In a joint statement, Togo's justice and security ministries said the documentary team had used a drone in areas considered sensitive by authorities because of the threat of jihadist attacks. According to the statement, the authorisation to film had been signed only by Vedomey and not by the two French filmmakers. Authorities emphasised that the permission was "strictly limited" to specific, stated areas.
Government Allegations and Legal Proceedings
The government also alleged "several irregularities" in the way the assignment was carried out, though it did not provide further details. The three men appeared before prosecutors on August 17, accompanied by their lawyer, according to the authorities.
Mocaër and Pezzani had been working with Vedomey on a documentary for France Télévisions. The filmmakers' lawyer reiterated that his clients denied the allegations. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has called for their immediate release and raised concerns about Pezzani's health.
Health Concerns and Production Company Response
RSF stated that Pezzani suffers from serious health problems requiring urgent treatment. Patrice Lucchini, head of the production company Tony Comiti Productions, said a Togolese doctor had warned that Pezzani was at risk of developing sepsis. Lucchini has maintained that the filmmakers complied with the rules governing work in Togo, saying they obtained filming permits and declared their equipment to customs.
The families of Mocaër and Perez-Pezzani said they were "devastated" by the men's continued detention. The case has drawn attention from press freedom advocates, with RSF continuing to press for the release of the two French journalists.
