Côte d'Ivoire / UNOCI welcomes the release of three Ivorian journalists

ABIDJAN, Côte d'Ivoire, December 7, 2011/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI) has described the release of three journalists from the daily newspaper Notre Voie on Tuesday as an encouraging development for freedom of expression.

The decision taken by the court conforms to the existence of a diverse press reflecting various political views. It is hoped that it will also contribute to defusing the political and social tension that has been gradually appearing in an electoral campaign that is already vulnerable.

UNOCI would like to remind all concerned parties of the need to avoid excesses which could threaten the democratic achievements and harm the general interest.