Families Seek Answers as French Filmmakers Remain Detained in Togo

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Lome: The families of two French filmmakers jailed in Togo have expressed ‘immense concern’ over their fate, particularly the health of one of the men. Sébastien Perez-Pezzani and Gaël Mocaër, filmmakers, have been jailed since July 27. They were arrested while filming a documentary in northern Togo.

The two were allegedly working on a documentary for France 5 when they were arrested and eventually charged with espionage. The specific charges are unknown, and Togolese authorities have also expressed concerns about media accreditation and visa requirements. Togo's media authority said it has received no accreditation requests for their mission.

According to France's Foreign Ministry, both men received three consular visits, and officials are keeping track of their detention, health, and legal status. A reported plea for emergency medical evacuation by one filmmaker was denied.

The case renewed concerns about press freedom in Togo, where relations with France have worsened and French stations RFI and France 24 remain off the air. The circumstances behind the filmmakers' imprisonment and the charges against them are still under investigation.