Ivory Coast: another internet user arrested for offensive remarks against Alassane Ouattara

In Ivory Coast, a new internet user has been apprehended for comments deemed offensive to President Alassane Ouattara. This arrest comes just a few days after the sentencing of a young nurse for a case of cyber-insult.

Jean-Louis Bakala, the pseudonym used on Facebook, was arrested following the publication of a comment judged offensive towards the head of state, Alassane Ouattara. In his post, the man criticized the president’s recent visit to France, implying it was an act of homage to a personality who might have played a role in his rise to power.

However, his remarks go further as he supposedly made obscene and seriously offensive insinuations, claims that decency prevents from relaying.

Heightened Crackdown on Cyber-Insults

This arrest happens in a climate of zero tolerance decreed by the Ivorian judicial authorities towards online mishaps. For reminder, just a few days ago, a young nurse was sentenced to three years of firm imprisonment for similar offenses.

The Ivorian authorities evidently intend to impose strict discipline on the way citizens express themselves publicly, especially on digital platforms.

The Prosecutor of the Republic does not mince his words. He reiterated his institution’s commitment to hunt down all authors of injurious speech against high state personalities, including those residing outside Ivorian territory. “Any offensive, insulting or outraging publication against high authority will elicit a swift response from justice”, he warned.