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Call to Abolish Draconian Media Laws
NGOs from Africa have called upon the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights (ACHPR) to urge member states to abolish repressive laws which continue to suppress freedom of expression.
The African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights in Africa, executive director, Hannah Foster, maintained that, “The suppression of freedom of expression, opinion, assembly and the press is becoming the norm rather than the exception and therefore continues to be a cause for concern on our continent with the formulation of draconian laws, harassment, intimidation, killings and arbitrary detention.”
The call by the NGOs comes against the backdrop of continued violations of human rights in countries such as Sudan, Burundi, Zimbabwe, Cameroon and Guinea Conakry, among others.
Foster urged the Commission to take note of the resolutions by the NGOs and: “Pay particular attention to the situation in Angola, Burundi, Central Africa ...Zimbabwe and that they also.... request the African Commission to express solidarity with all journalists living under extreme persecution and to urge states to abolish repressive laws and to ensure a conducive environment for the protection of journalists in Africa.”
To read the article titled, NGOs call for abolition of draconian media laws,” click here.Source:Radio VOPANCYL Criticised for Harassing Journos
The Media Monitoring Africa (MMA) director, William Bird, says journalists are not employed as public officials but are there to monitor those who are.
Speaking at a SAFM discussion programme, the After Eight Debate, on the topic of this recent "harassment" of the media, Bird argued that, “The Press Council, Media Monitoring Africa, the Freedom of Expression Institute and various others" – are there in a watchdog role over journalists.
Meanwhile, a mud-slinging campaign by the ANCYL against some South African journalists is set to continue with a threat to name at least one newspaper staff member the league claims has been bribed.
To read the article titled, “ANCYL to expose 'corrupt' journos,” click here.Source:Independent OnlineUN Worker in Court for Indecent Clothing
Lubna Ahmed al-Hussein, a Sudanese journalist facing 40 lashes for wearing
'indecent' trousers, is returning to court after waiving immunity granted
United Nations (UN) workers so that she can challenge Sudan's harsh laws.
Hussein is to be judged under Article 152 of Sudanese law, which decrees up
to 40 lashes for anyone 'who commits an indecent act which violates public
morality or wears indecent clothing'.
Hussein, in her 30s and whose husband died of kidney failure, could have
claimed immunity as a UN worker but she refused that option at a hearing
last week, saying she wants to change the country's laws.
Hussein, who works for the UN media office in Sudan, has been quoted by AFP
as saying she is ready to be flogged as well.
To read the article titled, "Journo back in the dock," click here.
Source:<br /> News24
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