A vocal critic of a constitutional reform that will allow President Paul Biya to stand for another term in 2011 was arrested on Wednesday.
According to his wife, the singer Lapiro de Mbanga has been accused of instigating riots in Mbanga in February. Lapiro, who stood as a candidate for the opposition Social Democratic Front in municipal elections in July 2007, released a song called Constitution Constipée which condemns the removal of the limit on the number of presidential terms. Members of parliament voted to pass the amendment on Thursday — the day after the Lapiro’s arrest — allowing Biya, who has been in power since 1982, to stand for another term.
NEWS
Support free expression for all
At Index on Censorship, we believe everyone deserves the right to speak freely, challenge power and share ideas without fear. In a world where governments tighten control and algorithms distort the truth, defending those rights is more urgent than ever.
But free speech is not free. Instead we rely on readers like you to keep our journalism independent, our advocacy sharp and our support for writers, artists and dissidents strong.
If you believe in a future where voices aren’t silenced, help us protect it.
At Index on Censorship, we believe everyone deserves the right to speak freely, challenge power and share ideas without fear. In a world where governments tighten control and algorithms distort the truth, defending those rights is more urgent than ever.
But free speech is not free. Instead we rely on readers like you to keep our journalism independent, our advocacy sharp and our support for writers, artists and dissidents strong.
If you believe in a future where voices aren’t silenced, help us protect it.
At Index on Censorship, we believe everyone deserves the right to speak freely, challenge power and share ideas without fear. In a world where governments tighten control and algorithms distort the truth, defending those rights is more urgent than ever.
But free speech is not free. Instead we rely on readers like you to keep our journalism independent, our advocacy sharp and our support for writers, artists and dissidents strong.
If you believe in a future where voices aren’t silenced, help us protect it.
At Index on Censorship, we believe everyone deserves the right to speak freely, challenge power and share ideas without fear. In a world where governments tighten control and algorithms distort the truth, defending those rights is more urgent than ever.
But free speech is not free. Instead we rely on readers like you to keep our journalism independent, our advocacy sharp and our support for writers, artists and dissidents strong.
If you believe in a future where voices aren’t silenced, help us protect it.
At Index on Censorship, we believe everyone deserves the right to speak freely, challenge power and share ideas without fear. In a world where governments tighten control and algorithms distort the truth, defending those rights is more urgent than ever.
But free speech is not free. Instead we rely on readers like you to keep our journalism independent, our advocacy sharp and our support for writers, artists and dissidents strong.
If you believe in a future where voices aren’t silenced, help us protect it.
READ MORE
-
The female keyboard warriors taking on Myanmar’s military junta
Inside and outside the country, digital activists are using the power of the internet to expose human rights abuses
-
Celebrated author Margaret Atwood wins The British Book Award for Freedom to Publish
The Handmaid's Tale author was awarded the prize in partnership with Index on Censorship
-
Kashmiris are disappearing from the streets
India's government is ramping up repression in the Jammu and Kashmir region
-
Young people in Turkey are defying decades of oppression
Mass youth protests have mobilised a fragmented society into action and enlivened the political opposition