Mali's ruling miltary junta on Wednesday night ordered the suspension of FRANCE 24 television and RFI radio in the country, accusing the French public news service of reporting "false allegations" of abuse by the Malian army. In its response, France Médias Monde, the parent company of the two news organisations, said it deplored the decision and protested against the junta's "unfounded accusations".
The Malian government "categorically rejects these false allegations against the valiant FAMa" [Malian Armed Forces] and has launched "a procedure...to suspend the broadcasting of RFI...and France 24 until further notice," said the statement signed by government spokesman Colonel Abdoulaye Maiga.
