The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa, Commissioner Jamesina King has written to President Emmerson Mnangagwa regarding the arrest and detention of journalist Hopewell Chin’ono.
Statements
Lesotho police shoot journalist during protests
Lesotho police have been accused of shooting journalist Ntsoaki Motaung during a youth protest dubbed #BachaShutDown on 6 November 2020.
Mozambican journalists flee into the bush following attack on radio station
At least nine Mozambican journalists from the Sao Francisco de Assis Community Radio and their families fled into the bush 10 days ago and are living in deplorable conditions following an insurgent attack on the district of Muidumbe in the Cabo Delgado province.
Tanzania blocks bulk SMS as rights environment deteriorates
Tanzania is in the process of holding its general elections, which have been tainted by the government’s clampdown on basic rights such as freedoms of expression, media, and, digital rights.
Tanzania throttles internet ahead of elections
On 26 and 27 October 2020, there were reports that the Tanzania government had throttled the internet, while also attempting to enforce social media blackouts.
Freedom of expression environment deteriorates as Tanzania heads for elections
In the past 10 months, the Tanzanian government has suspended a number of media organisations from broadcasting or publishing, among them Clouds FM and Clouds TV, while the newspaper Tanzania Daima, has been indefinitely barred from publishing.
Zimbabwe’s looming Patriot Bill cause for great concern
Sometime in August 2020, the Zimbabwe Cabinet discussed the possibility of adopting a law that criminalises campaigning against one’s own country.
Right to privacy increasingly under threat in Zimbabwe
The right to privacy is very critical because it is an enabling right that allows for the exercise of media freedom and freedom of expression. It is in that context that the confidentiality of media sources is key and equally protected by the Constitution.
Lesotho proposed internet broadcasting rules will stifle free speech
The Lesotho Communications Authority (LCA), has proposed new regulations that stipulate that individuals with more than 100 followers on social media platforms will be considered as internet broadcasters and may need to register with authorities.
Commission raises alarm on Zimbabwe’s human rights situation
The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) has raised alarm at the deteriorating human rights situation in Zimbabwe, particularly the arbitrary arrests and detention of journalists and women human rights defenders.