Guinea Journalists stage protest over government 'intimidation'

Today, journalists in Guinea took to the streets of the capital, Conakry, protesting what they call bullying and intimidation of the press by government authorities.  

It began last week when false rumors that President Alpha Condé had died began to circulate, and subsequently journalists from a privately-owned Gangan radio station were accused of starting the rumour and detained.  

Colleagues who went to secure their release were reportedl beaten by security forces, had their equipment destroyed and their radio station taken off air. A few days later another radio station called Espace FM possibly the most vocal in the country, was shut down by the authorities, after journalists there lampooned the status of the military as they celebrated 59 years of existence.  

The government said this was tantamount to incitement.  Many journalists who have had enough took to the streets in protests.