Death threats against TV5 Monde’s correspondent in Madagascar: a disturbing glimpse into freedom of expression

Madagascar is once again in the spotlight, but for deeply concerning reasons. Recent events surrounding Gaëlle Borgia, a correspondent for TV5 Monde, paint a worrying picture of freedom of expression on the island. Direct death threats, surveillance worthy of a thriller, and growing political pressure serve as stark reminders of the fragility of the right to information. It is not just the work of a journalist that is at stake, but rather access to free and verified information for the entire population. In a context where investigative journalism is more essential than ever, these forms of intimidation raise fundamental questions about the safety of journalists and the future of an independent press. This situation demands immediate attention, as its implications extend far beyond Madagascar’s borders. The case, which broke in 2026 following a bold investigation into a series of controversial deaths, quickly took a dramatic turn, pitting the journalist against a state apparatus far from transparent. The Malagasy authorities reacted with disconcerting firmness, even invoking the penal code for press-related offenses—a significant and dangerous development. This shift toward criminal sanctions, rather than simply applying the communications code, marks a turning point in how the government manages critical voices. The international community is watching these developments with heightened vigilance, as the protection of reporters is a cornerstone of any self-respecting democracy. Faced with this escalation, Gaëlle Borgia’s resilience and courage are exemplary, proving that it is possible to stand tall, even when the shadows of intimidation and death threats loom. In short: Journalist Gaëlle Borgia TV5 Monde correspondent in Madagascar targeted by death threats following an investigation. 😨 The investigation contradicts the official version of the 32 deaths in Ambohimalaza, exploring botulism as a possible cause rather than criminal poisoning. 🔬 Malagasy authorities have requested the replacement of Gaëlle Borgia and Pauline Le Troquier (RFI). ✉️ A former official from the Ministry of Finance made explicit death threats on social media. 💬 The journalist was subjected to persistent surveillance by plainclothes police officers. 🚓 The Ministry of Communication invoked the Penal Code (Article 91) for charges of “disturbing public order,” which could lead to prison sentences for the journalists. ⚖️ This incident highlights a serious deterioration infreedom of expression and the safety of journalists in Madagascar. 🗣️ Gaëlle Borgia has reaffirmed her determination to continue her work despite the pressure. 💪 Madagascar: Death threats against the TV5 Monde correspondent, a wake-up call for freedom of expression The situation in Madagascar has become particularly tense for media professionals, and the case concerning Gaëlle Borgia, the courageous correspondent for TV5 Monde , is a striking illustration of this reality. Her investigations into a tragic series of deaths a few months ago triggered a wave of events that call into question the ability of journalists to carry out their work safely. Thedeath threats targeting Gaëlle Borgia are not just empty words; They are part of a climate of political pressure that clearly aims to silence independent voices and restrict citizens’

right to information. This is a worrying reality that calls for a collective awareness of the crucial importance ofjournalism investigative journalism, especially in such sensitive contexts. The origin of this spiral of intimidation stems from an in-depth investigation conducted by Gaëlle Borgia, in collaboration with Pauline Le Troquier of RFI. Their work highlighted significant discrepancies between the official version of events presented by the Malagasy authorities and the facts gathered on the ground concerning some thirty deaths in Ambohimalaza. While the government spoke of criminal poisoning, the journalists explored the possibility of botulism, relying on contextual elements and eyewitness accounts. This is not simply a difference of interpretation; it is a direct challenge to the official narrative, which, as we see, is all too often poorly received. The authorities’ reaction was swift: official letters were sent to the newsrooms of TV5 Monde and RFI, demanding nothing less than the replacement of the two correspondents. One can question this type of request, which resembles a blatant attempt to control the journalistic staff of international media outlets.

These attempts to silence the press are not new, but the nature of the death threats received by Gaëlle Borgia marks a worrying escalation. An individual claiming to be an official from the Ministry of Economy and Finance publicly suggested macabre scenarios such as poisoning, an accident, or a staged suicide, while urging her to leave the country. Even though this individual was later described as a clumsy former civil servant, the message remains chilling and constitutes an unacceptable form of intimidation. For the safety of journalists, such remarks cannot be minimized. They create a climate of fear and suspicion, making the practice of journalism difficult.

• all the more perilous. It is imperative that the authorities take these verbal and digital attacks seriously, as they undermine the very foundations of democracy and respect for fundamental freedoms. This type of pressure highlights the risks faced by those who dare to challenge the official narrative, and the direct impact on freedom of expression. The Disturbing Investigation: Deconstructing the Official Version of Events in Madagascar At the heart of this turmoil lies a particularly sensitive journalistic investigation, conducted by Gaëlle Borgia and Pauline Le Troquier into the deaths in Ambohimalaza. The facts are as follows: on June 14, following a birthday party, a young man died, marking the beginning of a tragic series of deaths that would claim 32 lives in the following weeks. The official version put forward by the Malagasy authorities is that of criminal poisoning, an explanation which, if proven, would have specific implications for the judicial investigation. However, the two journalists’ work revealed major inconsistencies. They focused on verifying government claims, particularly the one about having sent samples to France for analysis. This is where the problem lies, and the discovery is, admittedly, quite revealing. Their investigation led them to identify a specific laboratory in Strasbourg. However, and this is a crucial point, this laboratory reportedly lacks the capacity to detect the presence of botulism. Only a national reference center, affiliated with the Pasteur Institute, is authorized to do so in France. Even more concerning, the analyses carried out by the Strasbourg laboratory proved inconclusive, with conflicting results that prevented a definitive identification of the substance involved. This situation raises a fundamental question: why did the government release an official version that does not correspond to the information gathered by the journalistic investigation? The lack of transparency surrounding these medical analyses and the persistence of a potentially inaccurate explanation can damage the credibility of institutions and fuel public doubt. Complete transparency is always preferable, especially in the face of a tragedy of this magnitude.
• Gaëlle Borgia’s investigation dared to highlight a well-known structural problem in Madagascar: frequent water and electricity outages. In an interview with TV5 Monde, she emphasized that if the botulism hypothesis were confirmed—a bacterium that thrives in the absence of oxygen and when the cold chain is broken—the national water and electricity company, Jirama, could be held responsible. The daily power cuts make proper food preservation difficult, if not impossible, thus increasing the risk of food poisoning. This is a pertinent observation that goes beyond a simple news item to address major infrastructure challenges. This analysis, based on a reality we all know and on popular concerns, has clearly not been well received. It highlights the direct consequences of structural problems on the daily lives of Malagasy people and on public health. It is clear that the issues behind this investigation are profound and go far beyond a simple disagreement about a cause of death. This perfectly illustrates the relevance of journalism in shedding light on complex truths, even if it means confronting powerful interests. We realize that the work of these journalists is truly essential; we feel they provide us with all the elements we need to understand.
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tc-GYRCLKWU The spiral of threats and the government’s reaction to freedom of expression The publication of the investigation and the interview with Gaëlle Borgia quickly provoked a response from the Malagasy authorities, demonstrating a strong reaction to what they perceived as an attack on their image. At the end of July, the newsrooms of RFI and TV5 Monde received letters from the Ministry of Communication and Culture—documents that were far from simple newsletters, we assure you. These letters accused the journalists of having abandoned their neutrality, of “disturbing public order” and sowing panic among the population by mentioning the botulism theory. This type of accusation is particularly serious because it shifts the debate from the journalistic sphere to that of public order, which can have much more serious legal consequences. The authorities claimed that the journalists were in violation of Article 30 of the law on media communication, placing them in a position of press offense. But this was only the beginning of the retaliation.
• The most alarming development was the invocation of Article 91 of the Penal Code. For the first time, the Malagasy government threatened journalists with prison sentences ranging from one to five years for allegedly “inciting hatred of the government” and sowing discord. This is an unprecedented escalation in the political pressure exerted on journalism in Madagascar. This recourse to the Penal Code, instead of the simple communications code which provides for fines, is a powerful tool of intimidation, designed to hang like a sword of Damocles over anyone who dares to criticize or contradict the official narrative. This maneuver is a clear attempt to criminalize the work of reporters, directly threatening their safety and, by extension, freedom of expression itself. It is clear that there is a desire to send a strong and dissuasive message.
• Death threats and intimidation The harassment wasn’t limited to official correspondence. Gaëlle Borgia recounted being persistently followed. First, by scooters, always the same one, which followed her home. Then, the situation took an even more threatening turn when a car followed her very closely, to the point where she risked a collision had she not accelerated to outrun them. Information gathered by the journalist revealed that they were plainclothes police officers. This surveillance, far from being a mere coincidence, is a form of harassment intended to create a climate of fear and hinder her work. It’s a truly difficult experience and reminds us how dangerous the profession of journalism can be. Meanwhile, a comment from a man claiming to be a department head at the Ministry of Finance, suggesting scenarios of poisoning or “disguised suicide,” was considered particularly disturbing by Gaëlle Borgia, especially in this context of heightened tension. These cumulative events paint a bleak picture for investigative journalism. They highlight the importance of defending this fundamental right. Timeline of key events A fight for the truth: international attention and journalist solidarity
• Faced with this resurgence of intimidation, the case of Gaëlle Borgia is unfortunately not isolated, but it has had a significant impact, alerting the international community and press freedom organizations. It is worth remembering that this is not the first time her work has been a source of concern. Back in 2021, her coverage of the famine in Madagascar led to a similar letter of complaint sent to France 24. These precedents demonstrate a consistent pattern of political pressure.

exercised against journalists whose investigations address sensitive subjects or contradict the official narrative. History repeats itself, and it is crucial to emphasize that this resilience is a pillar of journalism.

Fortunately, international solidarity is taking shape. Renowned organizations such as the US Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), the Human Rights Foundation (HRF), and Reporters Without Borders (RSF) quickly offered their support to Gaëlle Borgia. The Society of Journalists (SDJ) of RFI and France 24 also expressed its support. This mobilization is essential because it helps break the isolation of threatened journalists and exert diplomatic pressure on the authorities of the countries concerned. It sends a clear message: the world is watching, and attacks on freedom of expression will not go unnoticed. The right to information is universal, and the safety of journalists is a priority for human rights defenders worldwide. This case resonates with other struggles waged by courageous journalists, highlighting the importance of vigilance. This Malagasy context is reminiscent of other situations where journalists have paid a heavy price for their pursuit of truth. In Madagascar itself, journalists like Lola Rasoamaharo and Fernand Cello were imprisoned for allegedly acting “against government interests,” according to the authorities. These imprisonments are alarming signs of a clear intention to control the press and silence all forms of dissent. This is a direct threat to democracy and the fundamental values ​​we uphold. The fight to defend freedom of expression continues, in Madagascar as elsewhere. We see that pressure can come from various sources, and that is why vigilance is essential.Here are the major risks journalists face in Madagascar: 🚨 Death threats and threats of physical assault, often disseminated on social media. 🕵️‍♂️ Surveillance and tailing, creating a climate of insecurity and intimidation. ⚖️ Use of the Penal Code for acts related to journalism, leading to prison sentences. 🚫 Demands for replacement or censorship from the authorities.

🗣️ Accusations of “disturbing public order” or “spreading false news” to discredit their work.

🔒 Arbitrary imprisonment, as seen with some colleagues. 💸 Economic pressure and withdrawal of advertising. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wcGrn1lSQiIThe Future of Investigative Journalism in Madagascar in the Face of Political Pressure Beyond Gaëlle Borgia’s personal case, what is at stake in Madagascar is the very future of investigative journalism in a country where critical voices are increasingly targeted. Gaëlle Borgia’s determination, as she forcefully asserts, “I cannot be forced to leave my country. I will continue to work and investigate as usual,” is a powerful testament to the commitment of media professionals. As a Malagasy and French citizen, she asserts her right to live and practice her profession in the land of her ancestors. This stance is exemplary and demonstrates that tenacity is an essential attribute for anyone who wants to shed light on complex realities. The courage she displays is truly inspiring and encourages us to believe in the power of information. However, this perseverance comes at a cost, particularly in terms of the safety of journalists Gaëlle Borgia herself admits it: she is now forced to be much more cautious, no longer traveling alone, which is a double burden due to her gender. Women journalists often face specific risks, and these death threats and surveillance only exacerbate this vulnerability. This is a crucial aspect to consider when discussing freedom of expression and the safety of journalists. It forces them to reorganize their lives, to be constantly on their guard—a significant psychological and logistical burden. It is essential that protection mechanisms be strengthened for all those working in the media, and particularly for women. We must always ask ourselves: how can we protect those who risk their lives to inform us? The fact that the Malagasy authorities are now relying on the Penal Code rather than the Media Communication Code is a very worrying sign of the erosion of freedom of expression. This strategy of political pressureaims to reclassify press offenses as common law crimes, exposing journalists to prison sentences and thus greater vulnerability. It is a tactic that discourages any attempt at investigation and sows fear within the profession. In 2026, the fight for the

right to information

is more relevant than ever, and cases like this remind us of the urgent need to defend the principles of a free and independent press. It is incumbent upon us, as citizens and observers, to remain vigilant and support those who risk their lives for the truth. This is a vital mission for the democratic health of any country, and

the fight continues.

Contextual Element Media Communication Code

🎯 Nature of the charges

Press offenses (e.g., defamation, lack of neutrality)

Disturbing public order, inciting hatred of the government ⚖️ Penalties incurred Primarily financial fines 💰 Prison sentence (1 to 5 years) ⛓️ 🛡️ Protection of journalistsProvides a specific framework for journalism Criminalizes journalistic acts, decontextualizes them ⏳ History of use Historically used for press cases New strategy of

intimidation and political pressure🌍 Impact on freedom More protective framework for freedom of expression Direct and severe threat to the right to informationWhy was Gaëlle Borgia targeted with threats? 🤔

Who is involved in the threats and intimidation? 👥 The threats come from several sources. Official letters were sent by the Ministry of Communication and Culture, demanding the journalists’ replacement.Explicit death threats were made on social media by an individual claiming to be a former official from the Ministry of Finance. Finally, Gaëlle Borgia was followed by individuals identified as plainclothes police officers.What are the consequences of these threats for press freedom in Madagascar? 🚨 These death threats and the political pressure exerted have serious consequences for freedom of expression and the safety of journalists in Madagascar. The use of the Penal Code, which provides for prison sentences, criminalizes journalism and creates a climate of self-censorship. This hinders the right to information. citizens and weakens the foundations of democracy. How has the international community reacted? 🌎Several international press freedom and human rights organizations, such as the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), the Human Rights Foundation (HRF), and Reporters Without Borders (RSF), have expressed their support for Gaëlle Borgia. These reactions aim to denounce the

intimidation and to put pressure on the Malagasy authorities to respect freedom of expression . What is Gaëlle Borgia’s commitment in the face of this pressure? 💪 Despite the death threats

and being followed, Gaëlle Borgia has affirmed her determination not to ‘sleep in silence’ and to continue her work as an investigative journalist. As a French-Malagasy citizen, she asserts her right to reside and practice her profession in Madagascar, while publicly denouncing all forms of intimidation

and calling for increased vigilance for her

• safety .