French Journalists Detained in Togo Over Misunderstood Documents

Sun Sep 06 2026 11:32:39 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Two French filmmakers charged in Togo despite holding valid work visas and authorisation. Press freedom watchdogs call for their release.

Two French documentary filmmakers were arrested in Kara, northern Togo, on 27 July 2026 after filing a documentary for France Télévisions, even though they possessed the required work visas. Reporters Without Borders says the detention on “false declarations” is unjustified and highlights the country’s poor record on press freedom. Some analysts suspect the men might be used as bargaining chips in a broader exchange with France, though no officials have confirmed this. The pair are held in a pre‑trial detention facility near Lomé, and one of them reportedly needs immediate medical care. The case has reignited concerns about media censorship and political leverage in West Africa.

French Journalists Detained in Togo Over Misunderstood Documents

Two French documentary filmmakers, Gaël Mocaër and Sebastian Perez Pezzani, were arrested on 27 July in Kara, northern Togo, while filming for France Télévisions. They had valid work visas and the legal authorisation to shoot there, yet authorities charged them with false declarations.

The French foreign ministry confirmed the detention of two nationals but gave no details, and Togo has yet to comment. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) said the arrests are unjustified, citing the men's compliance with all administrative regulations.

RSF’s director general, Thibaut Bruttin, expressed alarm over the more than 20‑day-long detention, calling for an immediate release and condemning the disproportionate proceedings. Families of the journalists have urged a swift resolution amid daily uncertainty and anguish.

Some observers suggest the men could be held as bargaining chips in a potential exchange with France regarding a Togolese investigative journalist living in exile. There is no confirmation from either side, but the motive may reflect Togo’s ongoing clamp‑down on free speech—ranked 97th by RSF on its press‑freedom index.

The third detained individual, the journalists’ Togolese fixer Fred Vedomey, was also held. Meanwhile, Pezzani is reported to suffer serious health problems needing immediate medical attention.