According to industry reports, the government in Mali has suspended the French-language channel TV5 Monde for three months, citing a lack of ‘balance’ in a news report.
Mali’s media regulator, the High Authority for Communication, announced its decision, criticising TV5 Monde for reporting on the deaths of at least 15 civilians in drone strikes in the northern town of Tinzaouatene without considering the Malian army’s perspective.
The controversial report aired on August 25 as part of the channel’s widely viewed Africa program in Mali.
The channel said in a statement, “TV5 Monde regrets this situation and, in particular, the fact that the HAC did not approach it and was unable to provide any explanations regarding the facts of which it is accused.”
Press freedom watchdog Reporters Without Borders has condemned the junta’s move against the French-language broadcaster.
