Benin: the Special Prosecutor at the CRIET and the UPMB agree to optimize judicial information coverage.
The Special Prosecutor at the Court for the Repression of Economic Offenses and Terrorism (CRIET), Mario Mètonou, held a meeting on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, with a delegation from the Union of Media Professionals of Benin (UPMB) led by its president, Hervé Hessou.

This meeting aimed to lay the groundwork for a strengthened technical partnership between the judiciary and media stakeholders.
During the discussions, Mario Mètonou confirmed the full readiness of the special prosecutor’s office to support the capacity building of journalists specializing in the coverage of legal affairs.
The exchanges focused particularly on the understanding and application of the regulations governing the profession, especially the Information and Communication Code as well as the Digital Code.
Ethical Rigour and Prevention of Misinformation
The interview also served to remind attendees of the ethical requirements necessary for handling sensitive cases brought before the CRIET. Emphasis was placed on strict adherence to the presumption of innocence, a methodical distinction of the different stages of criminal proceedings, and thorough fact-checking before any publication.
As the proliferation of rumors and false information on digital platforms poses a major challenge, this initiative formalizes a framework for constructive dialogue between the judiciary and media professionals to ensure verified and responsible information.

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