New York, July 6, 2005—Unidentified assailants kidnapped and brutally beat a commentator for the independent Radio Kledu yesterday in the Malian capital, Bamako. Hamidou Diarra was found several hours later about 10 miles (15 kilometers) outside of Bamako, Radio Kledu director Abel Koné told CPJ. No suspects were immediately identified.
Local journalists said they believe that the assault on Diarra was linked to his work at the radio station. Diarra, known on-air as "Dragon," presents a popular program in the Malian language Bambara in which he often criticizes alleged abuses of power by local politicians and others.
Local journalists said they believe that the assault on Diarra was linked to his work at the radio station. Diarra, known on-air as "Dragon," presents a popular program in the Malian language Bambara in which he often criticizes alleged abuses of power by local politicians and others.
Mali Atom Feed
