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Nairobi: 4 Filmmakers Links to BBC's Blood Parliament Documentary Decry State Harassment

Published 3 days ago3 minute read

Amos Khaemba, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over four years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

- The four filmmakers linked to the production of BBC's Blood Parliament documentary have accused the government of a witch hunt.

BBC filmmakers
The four filmmakers who were arrested over links to BBC's Blood Parliament documentary. Photo: Peter Maruti.
Source: Facebook

Speaking to the media shortly after appearing in court on Wednesday, May 28, the four creatives, led by their lawyer Ian Mutiso, criticised the government for frustrating them and harassing Kenyan youth who try to eke a living through talent and skills.

"Because of the economy and empowering the youth. Shame on you. Because at the end of the day, this is a witch hunt. You're looking for something that does not exist. You campaigned, telling us that you're going to put money in my pockets and give work to the youth. This is work you're taking away from the youths. So again, shame on you," stated one of the filmmakers.

They also demanded the return of their equipment and hard drives, which were confiscated by the police during their arrest.

Their lawyer, Mutiso, stated that he had informed the court about their application to review the order issued to the DCI for the detention of his clients' gadgets.

He added that it is a violation of the law for the police to detain the gadgets without consent and without a proper order in the first place. The application is scheduled to be heard by the High Court on June 3.

The court ordered some of the investigation officers involved in the case of the four filmmakers to appear in court to shed light on the progress.

"The magistrate gave orders that some of the investigation officers involved in our clients' documentary must appear in court. We’re expecting them to disclose why they are not complying with the order and what the probable cause was for the arrest and detention of our clients," he said.

The advocate said he will pursue the matter until his clients are freed and allowed to carry on with their work without state interference.

His sentiments came shortly after the prosecutor applied for an adjournment, stating he needed more time to decide when the four would be prosecuted. T

The magistrate granted them more time to determine whether to charge them or not. Additionally, the magistrate issued a summons for the investigating officer in the case to appear on June 16.

"We will be returning to court on June 16 to hear the statements from the investigation officers in this matter," confirmed Mutiso.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

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