Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make representations to the authorities in Chad to investigate the alleged assault of journalist Aristide Djimaldé by police officers in that country; and what steps he is taking to help support the protection of journalists in Chad from violence and arbitrary arrest.

The UK has long supported media freedoms, both at home and in supporting the development of a strong and independent media in countries overseas. The UK opposes all attempts by any state to restrict press freedom, silence debate, abuse journalists, or spread misinformation. We continue to use our diplomatic presence on the ground to promote freedom of expression, especially during this transition period in Chad. On 11 September 2022, the UK joined an international community statement calling on the Chadian authorities to respect public freedoms, in compliance with the principles of the rule of law.