A live political interview on private television channel Spectrum Television (STV) was abruptly taken off air on Thursday 7 August 2025 after just eight minutes, following the arrival of a group of police officers and an administrative official in plain clothes at the broadcaster’s premises.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Friday 8 August, the CJTU Littoral Chapter described the incident as a “flagrant violation” of press freedom, citing the Constitution of Cameroon, the 1990 law on social communication, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the Cameroonian audiovisual code, and the 2000 decree governing private broadcasting.
“Media are not instruments of state power; they are pillars of democracy, transparency and public debate,” the statement read. “This type of administrative and police intrusion into a private media house is unacceptable, intimidating, and fosters a climate of fear and self-censorship among journalists.”
The union has demanded:
- Public explanations from the authorities on the motives and legal basis for the interruption.
- A formal pledge to refrain from interfering in the programming or premises of private media.
- Clear guarantees for the full exercise of press freedom, particularly during the electoral period.
The CJTU also warned that it could alert national and international bodies if similar incidents recur.
The sudden cut-off of Yebga’s interview has since triggered a wave of debate and speculation across Cameroon, particularly on social media, where many users have criticised what they see as political interference in media content.
As of press time, neither STV management nor the relevant government authorities had issued any public comment on the matter.
By Hilltopvoices Newsroom
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