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Guinea massacre, Madagascar and France, football murder, Polanski and the burka

by Tony Cross

Article published on the 2009-10-02 Latest update 2009-10-02 20:33 TU

Guinean police arrest a protester on 28 September
(Photo: AFP)

Dadis is a dictator, says a Guinean after the massacre in Conakry. We are accused of bias over Madagascar. There's sympathy over the murder of a French football fan in Serbia and anger over attempts to stop film director Roman Polanski's extradition. Plus news about RFI and our most read web articles.

RFI’s coverage of the massacre in Guinea, including interviews with major players, has attracted much interest.

Even before Monday’s rally, which ended in a bloodbath, we reported military ruler Moussa Dadis Camara’s visit to the north, which was seen as a sign that he will stand in January’s presidential election.

“Dadis is a dictator,” was the angry response from Mamadou Cellou Diallo of Conakry. “He was [the late President Lansana] Conte bodyguard they are the junta who killed 1000 people in the contry and the opinion international watching that happening.”

Another Guinean, who has not given a name, had this message for Dadis Camara after reading the first of two interviews he gave to RFI this week.

“Moussa Dadis Camara you said that with all sincerity you were not aware of what was going on right under your nose to be precise at the stadium. This is an insurmountable lie. How comes your terrorists were there to execute your orders … Moussa you wouldn't even contemplate how painful , shameful , disgusting to see such a reckless element like you seizing power from the hands of vigilant African who are ready willing able to bring those changes we need in Africa for the benefit of your own Children and Grandchildren . What a shame that you lack the fore sight.”

There is criticism of our coverage of Madagascar, following a previous feedback article. John from Madagascar agrees with the critic, who accuses RFI of backing “Andry Rajoelina's Coup D'Etat”.

“Along with the coverage (or lack of coverage) back in Feb one has to wonder why RFI has said nothing regarding the rejection of Andry Rajoelina to speak before the United Nations,” he writes. “Like so many other nations why did France not vote against the dictator speaking before the UN? Further how can Denmark, Ecuador and Jamaica vote to allow him to speak?

“Most countries at the UN did not vote on the matter but given that historically France has been the biggest player in the fate of Madagascar shouldn't this be news in France? By not voting against they accepted him as the legal representative of Madagascar.

“The French are now coming back to the island, as neo-colonialists, in a big way. Why is this not being covered by RFI?”

RFI in English covered the major events that led to Rajoelina taking over the presidency and reported France’s denial of complicity. We also carried an interview with deposed President Marc Ravolamanana and reported the deaths of some of his supporters at a rally.

Every day we fail to fit in topics worthy of coverage, usually because of pressure of space or time, maybe sometimes because of an editorial choice that could be open to question. 

But at no time has RFI’s English service come under pressure to take sides in the political turmoil in Madagascar and we have done our best to remain neutral.

The death of a French football fan in Belgrade brought “condolences to Taton Family, France and Free Antifascist Serbia”, from Ayalah Kalderon in Serbia.

But the appeal from French ministers and intellectuals against film director Roman Polanski’s possible extradition over his statutory rape conviction angered a New Yorker who typed Rather Not in the identification box.

“French are upset with America because we had Polanski arrested,” he writes. “A adult man raped a 13 year old child and this is not an important matter with the French. The fact that someone is a great director, singer, writer or for that matter an accountant does not for one second take away from this horrendous act. Have the French no children. Can your famous people rape and harm your children? The fact that this rape happened many years ago doesn't change anything. Polanski was given safety in France rather than being returned to America, where he fled from justice. I think the French may be drinking too much wine.”

Also from the US, Espy in El Paso agrees with French politicians who want to ban the burka.

“Did it pass or not???” she asks. “I have not heard anymore but I think they should go thru with it,” she goes on. “If they want to wear their silly stuff then go home where that is acceptable. If they decide to be part of any county-they must blend in not look like a sore thumb!!!!!!!!”

As it happens, the proposal has not gone to a vote in the French parliament and the controversy seems to have died down, while a report has revealed that very few women in France actually wear the all-covering dress.

News about RFI

The dispute over RFI management’s layoff plans continues, with more action in the courts than in the industrial arena.

The Moscow correspondent of RFI’s Russian service has gone into hiding, following threats to his life and demonstrations at his home.

Most read on RFI this week:

• Even the head of state can't control the situation, says President Dadis Camara;
• Three French tourists among Philippine flood victims;
• Camara leaves Conakry for first time since seizing power;
• Opposition claims 157 dead after army fires on protesters;
• French supporter dies in Belgrade hospital.

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