This staement was originally published on zimbawe.misa.org on March 22, 2018.
Four journalists were today assaulted outside the Chiredzi Magistrates Court at the end of Mr Andrew Takashinga Bere’s bail hearing. Bere is accused of defrauding United States of America taxpayer funds amounting to USD 7 million dollars during his stay in the country.
The four journalists harassed are Godfrey Mtimba a freelance journalist, Mr Patrick Chitongo of Chiredzi’s Flame newspaper, Mr Morris Bishi of the Masvingo Mirror, and Mr Tawanda Mangoma with Zimpapers in Chiredzi. The journalists were assaulted when they attempted to take pictures of Mr Bere as he was led out of court.
The alleged perpetrators of the assault are family members from Mr Andrew Bere’s family. The family members took offence when the journalists’ tried to use their mobile phones to take pictures of the accused. The journalists were pushed and harassed by the group of about 20 people, with Mr Patrick Chitongo getting kicked in the process. The family members also issued verbal death threats to the Chiredzi based journalists.
Members of the Zimbabwe Prison Services (‘ZPS’) who were attending to Bere also verbally threatened the journalists. The ZPS officers stated that the journalists had no right to take pictures of the accused without prior authority to do so from the State. The journalists lodged a formal report of assault at the Chiredzi Police, RRB No.3479828.
MISA Zimbabwe Position
MISA Zimbabwe reiterates its position that media freedom, freedom of expression and access to information are the cornerstones of the practice of journalism. These rights are constitutionally guaranteed and must be respected.
MISA Zimbabwe is disappointed by the actions allegedly carried out by the ZPS officers who also attempted to bar the journalists from doing their work. Court matters are of public interest, this is why they are held in open court. Members of the public are reminded to approach the Voluntary Media Council of Zimbabwe with complaints on the content published in the media instead of assaulting or hindering journalists from doing their job.
The African Freedom of Expression Exchange (AFEX) joins the International community to condemn the ongoing crackdown on freedom of expression rights in Ethiopia. AFEX calls on the government of Ethiopia to uphold freedom of expression rights of journalists, bloggers and ordinary citizens in the country.
According to a local based human rights organisation, Association for Human Rights in Ethiopia (AHRE), security agents shot and killed at least 7 protesters leaving several others wounded after protests erupted in different parts of the country, mainly the Oromia region. The protests are in response to Parliament’s approval on March 2, 2018, of the six-month state of emergency declared by Ethiopia’s Council of Ministers last month following the resignation of the country’s Prime Minister.
AFEX denounces the killing of protesters by security agents and calls on the authorities to ensure, that citizens’ lives and rights are protected at all times. We also urge security officials to exercise restraint in carrying out their duties.
Other freedom of expression related violations were also recorded in Ethiopia few days after Parliament approved the state of emergency.
Security forces on March 8, 2018, arrested Seyoum Teshome, publisher of a popular blog known as theEthiothinktank at his residence close to the Woliso campus of Ambo University, where he lectures, according to media reports. No reason was given for his arrest and his whereabouts remain unknown.
Teshome has been critical of the Ethiopian government after authorities declared a six-month state of emergency last month, in February 2018. According to a statement issued by state-owned Ethiopian News Agency, authorities can carry out arrests and searches without warrant and close down media stations.
This is very worrying as such draconian measures during the state of emergency will allow authorities to clamp down on dissenting voices in Ethiopia.
This is the second time security agents have arrested Teshome within the last one year. He was arrested and detained for two months in the last state of emergency that was imposed by government after the Oromia deadly protests.
In another incident reported a day earlier, William Davison, a reporter for The Guardian, who previously worked for Bloomberg, was deported on Wednesday (March 7, 2018) after being detained for a day at a police station. Authorities alleged that Davison was not affiliated to any foreign media and, therefore, cannot cover happenings within the country.
We call on the government to uphold the freedom of expression and assembly rights of journalists and citizens as guaranteed in Ethiopia’s national constitution. We urge security agents to release Teshome unconditionally and ensure that journalists and bloggers are free to carry out their duties in Ethiopia.
This statement was originally published on zimbabwe.misa.org on March 8, 2018.
Opposition MDC –T president Nelson Chamisa on 8 March 2018 said his party is committed to ensuring the safety and security of journalists at all times.
Chamisa said journalists or any other persons , should feel safe and secure whenever they visit Harvest House, the party ‘s headquarters in Harare’s central business district.
He was speaking during a meeting in Harare with MISA Zimbabwe Trustees Cris Chinaka and Davision Maruziva and National Governing Council Vice Chairperson Rutendo Mawere, during which they expressed concern following the recent harassment of journalists at Harvest House.
Also in attendance was the party’s presidential spokesperson Luke Tamborinyoka and MISA Zimbabwe Programmes Co-ordinator Nyasha Nyakunu.
Senior Herald reporter Zvamaida Murwira and freelance journalist Anna Chibamu, were allegedly harassed by MDC-T youths on 1 March 2018 at Harvest House during a press conference to confirm Chamisa as the party’s president.
Meanwhile, Chamisa said to demonstration the party’s commitment to the safety and security of journalists, he had since arranged for a meeting with the two journalists in order to understand and appreciate what had happened on the day in question.
Chinaka said the MDC-T should work on its media handling skills and also come up with a “sensitisation programme “ on the key role played by journalists. He said this would assist in creating a safe environment for journalists ahead the 2018 elections.
This statement was originally published on zimbabwe.misa.org on February 23, 2018.
The proposed merging of the three cyber bills into one bill as recently announced by the responsible minister could result in the muddying and undermining of other fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution.
The minister said following guidance from the Attorney General’s Office, the Cybersecurity and Cybercrimes Bill will now incorporate the draft Data Protection Bill and the Electronic Transactions and Electronic Commerce Bill.
Appearing before the Parliamentary Committee on Media, Information Communication Technology and Cyber Security on 8 February 2018, the minister justified the consolidation saying all three Bills work to prevent various forms of cybercrime. The decision might also have been inspired by the introduction of an omnibus Cybercrimes Bill in South Africa.
MISA-Zimbabwe therefore disagrees with the justifications cited by the Minister of ICTs and Cyber Security, Supa Mandiwanzira, to merge the three cyber bills into one omnibus bill.
An omnibus law is a Bill or Act which caters for a number of diverse issues or topics. One such example is the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA). AIPPA seeks to regulate diverse topics such as Privacy, Access to Information and Media Regulation under one Act. In the end, AIPPA just briefly touches on each of the rights it seeks to regulate.
For example, only seven sections under AIPPA are dedicated to the protection of the right to privacy. This is simply inadequate and unacceptable.
Grouping fundamental rights such as the right to privacy, access to information with consumer rights and cyber security into one piece of legislation, has the potential of undermining the protection of those rights.
MISA-Zimbabwe believes that fundamental rights such as the right to privacy must be protected by a piece of legislation dedicated solely to the protection and promotion of that right. This is why there is need for a standalone Data Protection law in Zimbabwe.
This is the case in South Africa, where the introduction of an omnibus Cybercrimes Bill complemented that country’s Protection of Personal Information Act and the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act instead of absorbing or repealing them.
MISA-Zimbabwe therefore urges the Attorney-General’s Office and the Ministry of ICT and Cyber Security to reconsider doing away with the proposed standalone Data Protection Bill.
In saying this we are guided by the three Model Laws produced by SADC which cater for Data Protection, Cybersecurity, and Electronic Transactions, respectively. This was obviously well thought out to ensure each area is regulated by a dedicated in-depth piece of legislation.
Government’s decision to interpret the right to privacy, and consumers’ online rights from a cybersecurity perspective is a narrow approach that could result in restricting fundamental rights under the guise of promoting security.
This becomes of even greater concern given that the right to privacy is currently not properly provided for under AIPPA.
Privacy is a fundamental right which fosters the promotion, and protection of related rights such as the right to freedom of expression. Any laws or policies which negatively impact on the right to privacy have a negative impact on the right to freedom of expression in Zimbabwe.
It would therefore be sad for this important right to be inadequately protected under yet another omnibus law such as the proposed Cybersecurity and Cybercrimes Act at a time when there is unanimity on the inadequacies of AIPPA.
This statement was originally published on hrnjuganda.org on February 23, 2018.
Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda), wishes to express concern over the continued attack on media freedom and the rights of journalists in Uganda by state agencies. We notice with dismay several actions by security personnel lately have been infringing on freedom of expression and press freedom. We wish to note that, most of these actions limiting press freedom and rights of journalists have been on the rise since the end of 2017 and have persisted in 2018 with limited preventive response from government to put a halt at this degenerating situation. The attacks and threats range from assault, denial of access to news scenes,damage of gadgets, unlawful arrest and detention and abduction.
On 22nd February 2018, police officers based at the Uganda Police Headquarters in Naguru, blocked journalists from covering the trial by the Police Court of the embattled Assistant Superintendent of Police Muhammad Kirumira and the former District Police Commander of Buyende District in Eastern Uganda.
Before the denial of coverage of the court proceedings, police officers led by Assistant Inspector of Police Abinuku assaulted and manhandled Nsimbi Posiano a News reporter attached to Bukedde Newspaper under Vision Group.
Charles Etukuri, a New Vision journalist went missing on 12th February 2018 at about 2:00pm when he was ‘abducted’ by Internal Security Operatives (ISO) at the Vision Group offices. He was detained for a week in an unknown place beyond 48 hours. He was later released on 19th February 2018 after the High Court in Kampala had issued a writ of habeas corpus. Etukuri’s arrest is suspected to be related to stories he published on Saturday 10th and 11th February 2018 about the demise of a Finnish National at the pearl of Africa Hotel in Kampala under mysterious circumstances. In the story, Etukuri highlighted about possible involvement of senior army officers the murder.
On Monday 19th February 2018, Richard Kasule a.k.a Kamagu, a prominent Top Radio journalist was arrested from the Top Radio offices immediately after hosting the morning show dubbed ‘Simbula’. Kamagu was released on 20th February 2018 with charges of offensive communication.
Early this year, on 15th January 2018, Twaha Mukiibi, an NBS journalist was beaten by police officers at Rose Gardens in Kyengera while interviewing a self-confessed gang of thieves. Mukiibi sustained body injuries and was admitted at Kampala hospital for four days.
On 12th February 2018, army officers attached to Kimaka army barracks beat up Ivan Lubega, a Jinja based journalist attached to Kiira Fm and Bukedde Tv. Lubega was covering a scuffle in Jinja that had ensued over land in Kimaka which is next to the Military barracks. He sustained severe injuries on his left hand and his camera was destroyed in the process.
It should be noted that, scores of journalists were attacked towards the end of 2017 particularly during the age limit removal debate labeled ‘togikwatako’. These include inter alia; Egena Denis (NBS TV), Otwii Isaac (Daily Monitor), Robert Kalibong(Unity FM), all from Lira District. Others include Bulegeya Ronnie of Dream TV, Kigongo Ssebalamu-Bukedde TV, Kyambadde Lawrence of Salt Media.
The period did not also spare the eight Red Pepper Directors and Editors who were arrested and detained at the notorious Nalufenya police facility on 21st November 2017. This was after the paper had published a story titled “Museveni planning to overthrow Kagame” that was presumed to be prejudicial to national security. Five directors and three editors were arrested and detained at the notorious Nalufenya police station for a week. They are Tumusiime Richard, Arinaitwe Rugyendo, James Mujuni, Johnson Musinguzi and Richard Kintu, Byarabaha Ben, Tumusiime Francis, directors and editors respectively. On 27th December they were brought to Buganda Road Magistrates Court where they were charged with criminal libel and offensive communication among other charges. They were granted bail on 19th December 2017.
As a media rights body whose core mandate is to promote and defend the rights of journalists, media freedoms, freedom of expression, HRNJ-Uganda regrettably notes that the continued acts of meting violence against journalists, unlawful arrests and detention curtail freedom of expression and media rights which are fundamental human rights guaranteed under Article 29 of the 1995 Constitution and recognized under other regional and International Human Rights Instruments that Uganda is party to.
In view of the above, HRNJ-Uganda recommends that;
The police should investigate as a matter of urgency the cases that are before them to ensure that justice prevails.
The judiciary should expeditiously handle matters involving journalists so as to ensure that justice is delivered timely.
The state should reign in on errant public officers that have turned it a habit to infringe media freedoms and bring them to book
The state at all times must respect, promote and uphold people’s rights especially freedom of expression and press freedom
UPF and UPDF to work towards restoring confidence among journalists by ensuring their safety and security rather than traumatizing/ attacking them.
We urge the members of the media fraternity to be professional in their work, vigilant and work together in ensuring their safety and security.
Over 95% Freedom of Expression (FOE) violations recorded in 19 countries in Africa have been left unaddressed by authorities in Africa according, to the FOE Situation in Africa Report for 2017 produced by the African Freedom of Expression Exchange (AFEX).
From July to December 2017, the report recorded a total of 98 FOE-related violations with nine (9) incidents of killings. While only 5% of the total violations have been redressed, no arrest or redress has been recorded for all incidents of killings – which remain the grievous type of violation recorded. Sadly, the incidents of killings claimed which claimed 30 lives protesters in Cameroon (12) DRC (7), Togo (6) Nigeria (3), Somalia (1) and South Sudan (1).
Security agents were responsible for 65 of the violations recorded while State officials and individuals were responsible for 14 and 12 violations respectively.
Altogether, 103 victims were directly affected by the 98 violations. Nearly 90% (92 of the 103) victims were journalists and media workers, activists and ordinary citizens. The remaining violations targeted media organisations.
AFEX is deeply concerned about the increasing level of impunity for crimes against journalists, human rights defenders and citizens as this remains one of the major challenges affecting the enjoyment of freedom of expression rights in Africa. We urge state and non-state actors to urgently adopt concrete measures to ensure that perpetrators of FOE violations are punished according to the law.
On February 6, 2018, two journalists were attacked by angry protesters while covering anti-US demonstrations in Juba, capital of South Sudan.
According to media reports, a group of demonstrators on Tuesday, February 6, severly beat up a foreign female journalist, Sam Mednick, working with AP new agency while she was covering the demonstrations. The journalist was reportedly injured on her arms, neck and face. The police later intervened to rescue Mednick from her assailants.
The demonstrators were protesting against a recent US decision to ban the sale of arms to South Sudan which has been in the grip of violence since independence.
In the same incident, one demonstrator slapped Julius Gale, a local journalist working with Juba-based radio Bakhita who was also covering the demonstrations.
AFEX member, the Association for Media Development in South Sudan (AMDISS), condemned the attack on journalists on Twitter and urged the authorities to ensure utmost protection of during protests.
“Very unfortunate that some journalists were beaten or intimidated by the demonstrators during yesterday’s demo in Juba, South Sudan. Journalists need to be given protection especially during such event if they must do their job well,” the Tweet read.
AFEX joins AMDISS to denounce the attacks on the journalists and call on the police to ensure that journalists are given utmost protection during such events.
Meanwhile, AFEX commends the police for their intervention to save the attacked journalist. We also urge the police to punish citizens who take the law into their own hands to harass or prevent journalists from doing their jobs.
The membership of the African Freedom of Expression Exchange (AFEX) and other African internet governance stakeholders attending the Sixth African Internet Governance Forum (AfIGF) has called for the prioritisation of digital rights of all citizens across the continent.
This call was made at the launch of AFEX’s Internet Freedom in Africa 2017 Report held in a parallel session in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt on December 4, 2017.
Panelists from left, Ms Koliwe Majama, (MISA Zimbabwe), Ms Felicia Anthonio, (AFEX) and Dr Chango Mawaki (DigiLexis Consulting) discuss findings of the Internet Freedom in Africa Report 2017
The report highlights trends across eight countries in Africa and notes challenges on important issues that include access, incidents of network shutdowns, high cost of data, repressive or lack of regulation in the Internet landscape in Africa. These countries include Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Uganda and Zimbabwe.
Participants endorsed recommendations in the report directed at governments, service providers, civil society, the judiciary and internet users towards promoting an improved Internet environment for citizens in Africa. These include among others the following:
African Governments should:
Amend and repeal laws that are inimical to freedom of expression both offline and online.
Adopt Internet laws/policies that are progressive and rights-respecting to guarantee online freedom, safety and security of all citizens.
Refrain from coercing service providers to monitor, filter, block and/or shut down the internet and other communications networks.
Service Providers should:
Resist/defy unjustified orders from governments to shut down the Internet.
Endeavour to invest more in the ICTs sector and expand services across the respective countries they operate in to help bridge the rural-urban digital gap.
Insist and demand court orders or warrants before disclosing user information or communications or taking down content.
Proactively engage CSOs and join in advocacy against governments’ abuse of users’ rights such as network shutdowns.
Civil Society (including academia and media) should:
Conduct regular monitoring and evaluation of the ICTs sectors in their respective countries to highlight developments (positive and negative) for proactive and timely interventions to be rolled out.
Proactively engage governments, service providers and other stakeholders to ensure that rights-respecting issues are factored into formulation of policy and other interventions.
Vigorously advocate for the repeal of penal codes and sections of legislation that criminalise speech as well as advocate for the withdrawal and/or review of Bills which have repressive provisions.
Educate, sensitise and build capacity of citizens on their rights, responsible use of the internet, online safety and other internet-related issues.
The Judiciary should:
Consider the supreme interest of the public in countries where court orders are required for governments to shut down the internet.
Protect the rights of citizens at all times.
Internet Users should:
Use the internet responsibly and respect the rights of other internet users at all times.
Actively participate in rights-based campaigns and speak out against threats to internet freedoms.
The African Freedom of Expression Exchange (AFEX) bemoans the crackdown on freedom of expression, access to information and freedom of assembly rights of citizens by the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and urges authorities to uphold such rights.
According to the media reports, security forces on December 31, 2017 shot and killed at least seven protesters while several others were arrested during anti-government demonstrations in the capital, Kinshasa after activists of the Catholic Church defied a police ban and held demonstrations against President Joseph Kabila’s refusal to step down from office since his presidential term ended in December 2016.
The Congolese government has also authorised a complete nationwide Internet shutdown and disruption of SMS services a day before the protests (December 30) citing ‘security reasons’.
AFEX calls on the Congolese government to refrain from violating the fundamental rights of citizens which are enshrined in the country’s Constitution and in other international frameworks to which DRC is signatory.
The use of excessive force by security agents against protesters and the resort to Internet blockage to quell protests in the central African country in the last two years is on the increase.
On September 19, 2016, security forces shot and killed about 50 protesters including three police officers during deadly demonstrations in capital city Kinshasa and other cities in DRC. Four months later in December 19, 2016 – the eve of the day President Kabila was supposed to step down, the government shut down social media platforms including Facebook Internet across the country.
As protests calling on President Kabila to step down intensified, the government banned all opposition demonstrations in April 2017. Several citizens have since been arrested in DRC in connection with the agitation for President Kabila to resign.
Elections which were scheduled to take place in 2016 have been postponed on two occasions leading to widespread dissatisfaction and increased demand for President Kabila to vacate.
AFEX strongly condemns the Congolese security agents for using lethal force against demonstrators resulting in the reported deaths of citizens. We call on the government as a matter of urgency to find a lasting solution to the political stalemate in the country and to take steps to protect the fundamental human rights of its citizens including the safeguarding of their safety and security.
We also denounce the increasing use of Internet shutdowns by African governments to stifle expression and repress protests in contravention of provisions of national, regional and international frameworks. AFEX urges the Congolese government to restore the Internet to enable citizens’ exercise their right to freedom of expression and access to information.
A one-day Stakeholders’ Dialogue on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity was held in Juba, South Sudan, on Monday, December 11, 2017. The Dialogue was organised by the African Freedom of Expression Exchange (AFEX), in collaboration with one of its members, the Association for Media Development in South Sudan (AMDISS) as part of activities to commemorate the 2017 International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists (IDEI). It was funded by the Toronto-based global network of freedom of expression organizations, IFEX, and the Norwegian People’s Aid.
Representatives from South Sudan’s Police Service, Parliament, Information Commission and Media Authority respectively.
The Dialogue brought together key stakeholders including media practitioners across the print, broadcast and online sectors; representatives of civil society organisations; representatives of various agencies within the Government of South Sudan such as the Ministry of Information, Telecommunications and Postal Services, the Ministry of Interior, and the Media Authority; international organisations and development partners in South Sudan; as well as AFEX members from some African countries.
At the end of the Dialogue, participants adopted following communique and called on the Government of South Sudan and all other governments in Africa to rigorously implement the recommendations contained in it to improve the safety of journalists and check impunity for crimes against journalists.
Observations
The participants expressed deep concern about the increased challenges of safety of journalists and prevailing climate of impunity for crimes against journalists and media houses in South Sudan as well as other parts of Africa.
They observed that journalists and other media professionals across the globe continue to face attacks such as torture, enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests and detention, expulsions, physical assaults, intimidation and harassment, threats, killings, and other forms of violence, noting that the safety of journalists and eradication of impunity for crimes against journalists constitute a prerequisite for the exercise and enjoyment of the rights to freedom of expression and media freedom.
Cross section of participants at the Stakeholders’ Dialogue in South Sudan
The participants stressed that such attacks on journalists both globally and across the African continent, interfere with their watchdog role, especially as many of such attacks, which are perpetrated by security agents, state officials, or individuals, are usually left unpunished;
They noted that such attacks against journalists and other media professionals often lead to self-censorship, which is dangerous for the effective functioning of any democratic society;
The participants stressed that States, including in Africa, have a responsibility under various regional and international frameworks to protect the safety of journalists and ensure that attacks against them do not go unpunished;
They therefore welcomed recent measures being taken at regional and international levels to address the situation, including the adoption of the United Nations Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity, in which UN agencies, funds and programmes have been invited to work with UN Member States to ensure a free and safe environment for journalists and media workers in both conflict and non-conflict situations, with a view to strengthening peace, democracy and development worldwide;
The participants agreed that low levels of capacity within the media on the subject of professionalism and conflict-sensitive reporting, how to respond to violent attacks against journalists, especially female practitioners, the existence of draconian laws, the continued interference by government officials and agencies in professional matters concerning the media, among other factors, are also major challenges confronting journalists in Africa.
Recommendations
African governments should:
As a matter of urgency and consistent with relevant international frameworks, put in place concrete measures to ensure the safety of journalists and combat impunity for crimes against journalists;
In particular, ensure that relevant security agencies diligently and properly investigate all reported cases of attacks against journalists, including killings, torture, other physical attacks, arbitrary arrests and detention to a logical conclusion and that perpetrators are brought to justice;
Review or repeal laws that criminalise expression or journalistic activities, such as criminal defamation laws, insult laws, sedition laws, and other laws that are inimical to the exercise or enjoyment of the rights to freedom of expression and access to information;
Set up or, where they already exist, strengthen media-security dialogue platforms to discuss and resolve or redress issues between the media and governments or security and intelligence agencies in the different African countries.
Ensure that all press offences are handled by the appropriate media regulatory bodies of their respective countries;
Ensure that law enforcement agencies do not continue to interfere with the work of journalists and their exercise of the right freedom of expression, but that all complaints in regarding the conduct of the media and media professionals are directed to the appropriate media regulatory bodies set up in the various countries and thoroughly addressed accordingly;
Civil society organisations should
Continue to conduct advocacy activities for the safety of journalists and justice for crimes committed against journalists;
Facilitate awareness among the general public and relevant stakeholders in the different countries on the continent on the need for them to work together to promote, support and defend professional journalism at all times;
Organise dialogues, workshops (long term and short term training events) or other forums to strengthen relations between relevant media stakeholders, especially representatives from law enforcement agencies, media organisations, the Judiciary and the Parliament/National Assembly in order to improve the press freedom situation in their respective countries;
Collaborate with other relevant stakeholders to produce safety guidelines for journalists and media professionals.
Journalists/Media Owners should
Be guided by the highest standards of professional and ethical conduct in their reportage;
Provide safety tools to journalists working in high risk areas;
Pursue all attacks against their journalists and pursue such attacks to their logical conclusion.
AFEX urges the Government of South Sudan and all governments across the continent to implement the aforementioned recommendations where applicable towards ensuring reduced incidents of attacks against journalists and media professionals and an overall improved media environment in their respective countries.
Stakeholders present at the Dialogue included representatives from:
South Sudan’s Media Authority
Ministry of Information, Telecommunication and Postal Services
The South Sudanese National Police
Specialized Standing Committee on Information of the Parliament
Office of Information Commissioner
Civil Society Organisations
Development Partners and the Diplomatic Community
Media Organizations and Outlets
Association for Media Development in South Sudan (AMDISS)
This statement was originally published on zimbabwe.misa.org on December 20, 2017.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police and representatives of media organisations led by MISA Zimbabwe Trustee Cris Chinaka on 20 December 2017 met in Harare and agreed on a raft of actions to secure a safe and conducive working environment for journalists.
The police delegation was led by Police Spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba.
In attendance during the meeting brokered by MISA Zimbabwe as a follow –up to the one held in September 2016, was Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ), Secretary General Foster Dongozi, Media Alliance of Zimbabwe (MAZ), Co-ordinator Nigel Nyamutumbu, MISA Zimbabwe Programmes Co-ordinator Nyasha Nyakunu and freelance journalist, Godwin Mangudya.
The proposed resolutions and action plans are also aimed at improving the professional working relationship between the media and the police through agreed work plans and timeframes for ease of monitoring of progress.
Senior Assistant Commissioner Charamba , said on their part, the police would be guided by the resolutions of the meeting towards ensuring pledges committed to come to fruition. She said the meeting marks a “new note” in shaping professional relations and the way forward between the two parties.
She said the new era as stated by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, would see a change of approach in the way the police conducts its business right down to the last person on the ground.
Chinaka stressed the need for continued dialogue to improve relations and ensuring the media also appreciates and understands the role of the police in a modern state. “We do pledge to continue working with you and finding solutions in areas where there are difficulties,” he said.
The September 2016 meeting came on the backdrop of assaults of journalists during the course of their duties, confiscation of cameras and deletion of video clips by the police thereby souring relations between the two parties.
It was also noted then, that journalists should be professional in their conduct and report the good work of the police as opposed to writing negative things only.
Click below to access the Resolutions of the 20 December 2017 meeting:
This statement was originally published on nusoj.org on December 11, 2017.
The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) condemns in strongest terms possible the targeted killing of television journalist in Mogadishu’s Madina district.
Journalist Mohamed Ibrahim Mohamed, nicknamed Gabow, who has been working for privately owned Kalsan TV, died at around 17:43 local time after improvised explosive device fitted to a car he was to drive went off, causing the journalist to die on the spot.
According to his family and experts, an explosive devise was planted under the driver’s seat and exploded seconds as Mohamed Ibrahim Mohamed started the engine.
“We condemn this dreadful murder of our colleague Mohamed Ibrahim Mohamed and we send our deepest condolences to his family and colleagues. The situation facing Somali journalists is horrific with threats and assassinations on a number of fronts. It was just yesterday on the international Human Rights Day that we were demanding for the protection of the safety of journalists,” said Omar Faruk Osman, NUSOJ Secretary General.
NUSOJ demands the Federal Government of Somalia to take serious action on protecting the country’s media workers and heed to the calls from local journalists to tackle the country’s shocking impunity problem before more lives are lost.
“With all the targeted killings of journalists that happened in this country, no single investigation of a killed journalist is currently going on. This impunity for the killers of and culprits of violence against journalists only serves to fuel a cycle of killing” added Osman.
The killing of Mohamed Ibrahim Mohamed take the tally of journalists killed in Somalia in 2017 to 4 with three of them killed through bomb explosions. Mohamed, 28, is survived by one daughter and her mother.
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National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ)
Hodan District, Mogadishu, Somalia
Email: [email protected] Website: www.nusoj.org
