Journalist from Guyane la 1ère Receives Death Threats Amid Pedocriminality Investigation in Sinnamary

Threats Emerge During Sensitive Investigation

A journalist working for Guyane la 1ère, the public broadcaster in French Guiana, has been subjected to death threats while covering a sensitive pedocriminality case. The investigation involves an elected official in the commune of Sinnamary, who is accused of rape and sexual assault on minors under 15 years old. The threats have drawn strong condemnation from journalistic unions and the broadcaster's management.

Timeline of Intimidation and Official Reactions

The first reports of threats surfaced on October 4, 2025, when the mayor of Sinnamary informed the Director of Content and Information of Guyane la 1ère about death threats made against the journalist by the accused official. The situation escalated on October 13, 2025, during a hearing before the judge of freedoms and detention. The journalist was explicitly named twice by the suspect's lawyer, who reportedly attempted to link the media coverage to threats his client allegedly received in prison. The lawyer also falsely claimed the journalist had been following the case since August 2023, a period during which the reporter was not working in Guyane.

During the hearing, the lawyer allegedly told the journalist, 'You are still here! Withdraw from the case!' This statement was perceived as a clear attempt at intimidation by the National Union of Journalists (SNJ).

Condemnation and Support for Press Freedom

In response to these events, the SNJ issued a strong condemnation on October 20, 2025, calling the threats a 'serious attack on freedom of information.' The union highlighted that the journalist was simply performing their duty to inform the public and that such threats are designed to intimidate all media professionals. The SNJ has called for legal and psychological support for the journalist.

The management of Guyane la 1ère also released a statement, firmly condemning the threats and reaffirming its unwavering commitment to its public service mission and the fundamental principle of freedom of information. The broadcaster expressed its full support for its employee and indicated that measures, such as providing a plain vehicle for travel in sensitive areas, would be implemented to ensure the safety of its personnel.

Accused Official Remains Detained

Meanwhile, the elected official at the center of the pedocriminality case remains in detention. On October 14, 2025, a magistrate confirmed the official's continued imprisonment, citing a high risk of recidivism. The investigation into the allegations and the threats against the journalist are ongoing.