The family of South African journalist Micah Reddy confirmed on Tuesday that he is on his way home after being held in police custody in Djibouti. In a statement, the family expressed relief that Reddy, who is the African coordinator at the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ), is unharmed. Reddy was detained by Djiboutian authorities on Saturday at 13h00 local time.
According to the family, despite numerous efforts to establish his whereabouts and condition, no official information was provided until Tuesday. Reddy was held together with his colleague and local fixer, Kooki Mahmoud, who has also since been released without charge. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) expressed relief at the news, welcoming Reddy's release while raising concerns about his detention.
The CPJ's regional director in Africa, Angela Quintal, stated that four days in secretive intelligence custody is unacceptable treatment of an investigative journalist. Quintal added that serious questions remain about their detention and Djibouti's opaque accreditation process. Reddy's family expressed deep concern that they were unable to receive direct confirmation of his and Mahmoud's conditions or establish any contact with them despite repeated efforts.
The family revealed that at the time of his detention, Reddy was not reporting on Djibouti or its government. They attributed his detention to a lack of proper media accreditation, according to authorities. Reddy's family extended gratitude to everyone who supported them and worked to help secure his return, including the South African and United Kingdom governments, diplomatic missions, and multilateral bodies.
The family also thanked the ICIJ, civil society, diplomatic and media organisations, fellow journalists, and members of the public in South Africa and around the world who raised their voices in support. Reddy's legal representatives played a crucial role in securing his release and return home. His family expressed appreciation for the strength, solidarity, and hope provided by supporters during a difficult time.
The family requested that their privacy be respected upon Reddy's return, until they are ready to share more information with the media. They expressed gratitude that Reddy's story has a safe and happy ending, while acknowledging the uncertainty experienced by many families in South Africa and around the world who face similar situations.
Reddy's release has brought relief to his family, colleagues, and supporters worldwide. His detention highlighted concerns about press freedom and the treatment of journalists in Djibouti. The incident emphasizes the importance of transparent accreditation processes and protection for investigative journalists.
Key points
- The Committee to Protect Journalists welcomed Reddy's release but raised concerns about his detention and Djibouti's opaque accreditation process.
- Reddy was detained by Djiboutian authorities on Saturday due to a lack of proper media accreditation.
- The family of Micah Reddy expressed gratitude to supporters who helped secure his release and return home.
