A Senegalese journalist René Bassène has regained freedom after over 8 years in detention, a gesture which came Wednesday following a May 26, 2026 presidential pardon in Dakar, country Capital.
Penpushing reports that it would be recalled that Bassène was sentenced to life in prison on charges of complicity in murder and attempted murder, crimes that CPJ reporting found he could not have committed.
The CPJ first reported on the flaws and inconsistencies in Bassène’s prosecution in January 2025, followed by continuous investigation and sustained advocacy, while it recalled that on May 22, CPJ submitted a letter, accompanied by an online and written petition with 1,208 signatures, to President Faye calling for Bassène’s release.
Penpushing further reports that the latest of CPJ’s written communications to Senegalese officials, the letter cited CPJ’s six-episode podcast exploring the journalist’s life, flawed trial, and unjust detention.
The communication published on May 3, World Press Freedom Day, the podcast detailed new evidence showing how Bassène could not have committed the crime he was accused of and included rebel leader César Atoute Badiate’s first public comments on the case, rejecting claims against the journalist.
“I still can’t find the right words to express my gratitude to everyone who has supported me, and especially to CPJ for their extraordinary efforts to secure my release,” Bassène said on the day he was freed.
Penpushing also reports that the CPJ Francophone Africa representative, Moussa Ngom welcomed the release of journalist and writer, stressing that it is particularly pleased by Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye’s decision to release the journalist
“CPJ is particularly pleased by Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye’s decision to release journalist René Capain Bassène after more than eight years of unjust detention’ Ngom said
Penpushing reports that the Senegalese president has sought to correct a grave miscarriage of justice against a journalist who has devoted his entire career to the resolution of the separatist conflict in Casamance.
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