The Togolese government says it has “serious and corroborating evidence” against French filmmakers Gaël Mocaër and Sebastian Perez Pezzani, who were arrested on July 27 while filming an episode of the documentary series Les Routes de l’impossible. In a statement issued on Saturday, August 22, the authorities provided their first detailed explanation of the case.
The two French nationals, who were arrested alongside their Togolese colleague Fred Vedomey, are being prosecuted for “false declarations.” According to the Togolese authorities, the allegations mainly concern the administrative permits issued for the filming.
Togo says filming permits were incomplete
In a joint statement, the Togolese ministries of Justice and Security said the two filmmakers relied on an authorization issued by the Ministry of Tourism.
However, according to the government, the document, dated June 19, 2026, was issued only in the name of their local colleague, Vedomey Komi, and did not mention the two French nationals.
Authorities also accuse the filmmakers of recording footage in the Savanes region and Binah prefecture, areas that were allegedly not covered by their filming authorization.
Drone use also under investigation
The Togolese government also alleges that the filmmakers used a drone whose technical specifications had not been declared in advance.
Their lawyer, Martial Akakpo, said the two men deny the allegations against them.
Following their arrest, the Togolese Press Employers’ Association criticized what it described as an inappropriate procedure against professionals who were carrying out their work. The government, however, maintains that the case concerns “exclusively compliance with administrative regulations” and not their journalistic activities.
Journalists’ groups denounce the arrests
The Togolese Press Employers’ Association (PPT) and the Truth Reporting Post (TRP) consortium have nevertheless maintained their criticism of the authorities.
Pierre-Claver Kouvo, TRP’s coordinator, argues that the reasons given by the authorities do not justify placing the two professionals in detention.
“The reasons given are not sufficient to place a journalist in pre-trial detention,” he said, warning that the case could have a negative impact on press freedom.
Kouvo also referred to the case of a TRP journalist who, in 2024, had obtained authorization to conduct an investigation in a sensitive area but was subsequently prevented from working there.
According to him, the use of judicial proceedings against journalists covering security and terrorism-related issues is becoming an increasingly worrying trend in Togo.
The case now remains in the hands of the Togolese justice system, while the two French filmmakers continue to deny the allegations against them.
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