The data used in this Monument is drawn from a database of attacks on the press compiled by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). Due to the time needed to verify each new case, it is possible that recent events have not yet been added to the Monument.
Investigating the killing of Elisabeth Blanche Olofio
Telling The Story: Remembering Elisabeth Blanche Olofio
A new investigation into the attack on Central African Republic journalist Elisabeth Blanche Olofio reveals the pressing need for emergency visas for local journalists in distress.
FRANÇAIS: Le résumé, en français, peut être téléchargé ici.
FRANÇAIS: L'enquête complète, en français, peut être téléchargée ici.
ENGLISH: The full investigation, in English, can be downloaded here.
Elisabeth Blanche Olofio’s reporting exposed local corruption and human rights abuses in the Central African Republic, providing her community with crucial information on the ongoing rebel advance at the time. On 5 January 2013, she was severely beaten, tortured and raped by Séléka rebels in her hometown of Bambari in connection to her reporting.
She suffered from sustained psychological and physical trauma and succumbed to her injuries in June 2014. Elisabeth was 34 years old.
Free Press Unlimited's mission is to ensure that independent news and information remains available to everyone. This helps people control their living conditions, develop themselves and monitor their governments. To achieve this, Free Press Unlimited collaborates with local media organisations and journalists, particularly in countries with limited (press)freedom. These media and journalists are close to their audience and therefore the best guarantee for a sustainable, professional and diverse media landscape. Free Press Unlimited's vision is short and to the point: People deserve to know. All over the world.