MISA Malawi condemns assault of journalist Henry Mhango by police officers
Journalism is not a crime.
Judgement reserved for Chin’ono bail appeal
Justice Daviso Foroma reserved ruling in the bail appeal by detained journalist Hopewell Chin’ono who appeared before the High Court of Zimbabwe earlier today. The judge gave no return date on when he is likely to give the judgement.
Independent Complaints Commission crucial for journalists’ safety
MISA Zimbabwe welcomes the bold step taken by the legislature to put the 2013 constitutional provisions into effect by facilitating the establishment of the commission that will handle public complaints involving security forces.
MISA Malawi mourns Rev. Semphere & Kenny Klips
Semphere and Wako died Thursday morning, January 21, 2021 in Lilongwe and Blantyre respectively.
Covid-19 curfew and the work of journalists
Journalists should possess and always carry with them valid Identity Cards.
Internet shutdowns gross violation of human rights more so during elections
MISA Zimbabwe condemns the shutdown of the internet in Uganda a day before the elections to date, given that elections are at the core of the exercise of democracy and respect of citizens’ rights.
Suspension of social media accounts: Potential threat to digital rights
The permanent suspension of US President Donald Trump's account has raised the concerns of ordinary internet users, particularly the demonstrated authority of social media platforms to permanently prohibit a user from exercising their freedom of expression on their platforms.
Journalist Chin’ono’s denied bail
Detained journalist Hopewell Chi’nono was on 14 January 2021 denied bail by Harare magistrate Lazini Ncube.
Bail ruling tomorrow in Chin’ono’s case
Harare magistrate Lazini Ncube on 13 January 2021 reserved ruling on bail to tomorrow after hearing bail submissions by both the defence and the prosecution in the matter of detained journalist Hopewell Chin’ono.
Chin’ono’s challenge against placement on remand dismissed
Harare magistrate Lazini Ncube on 13 January 2021 dismissed journalist Hopewell Chin’ono’s challenge to his placement on remand on charges of publishing or communicating falsehoods prejudicial to the State.
#WHK25 – History made in Namibia: The Windhoek Declaration
The principles of the Windhoek Declaration on an independent and pluralistic press are still relevant 25 years after they were adopted. As authorities in Africa continue to undermine media freedom, it’s important to outline steps to strengthen a free press for the coming years. Nobody arriving at the Safari Hotel in the Namibian capital, Windhoek, on 29 April 1991 – journalists all over Africa, UN...
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#WHK25: A declaration that still packs a punch for a free press
All too often, declarations remain simply pieces of paper filed away and forgotten. But the Windhoek Declaration is different, and its impact is still being felt today. In 1991, the winds of change were blowing for a second time after the liberation from colonial rule as many countries in Africa embarked on a path toward more democracy. Until then, efforts at independent, professional journalism had...
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#WHK25: From resolutions to reality – Tlakula
Rights such as freedom of expression and access to information are often associated with journalists, but they belong to everyone. It takes strong commitment to ensure they become reality, not just words on paper. 2016 is a significant year for Africa. It marks the 30th anniversary of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the 25th anniversary of the Windhoek Declaration on press...
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Access to Information in Africa – AFEX urges Governments to do more
As the World marks Press Freedom Day today under the theme, “Access to Information and Fundamental Freedoms: This is your Right!” the African Freedom of Expression Exchange (AFEX) network wishes to highlight the situation of Access to Information (ATI) on the continent. Access to Information (ATI) has been recognised as an important anti-corruption tool and a cornerstone for development. When citizens have access to information,...
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MISA laments state of the media on World Press Freedom Day 2016
On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day 2016, the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA), salutes all the champions of media freedom and freedom of expression across the world who have assumed the risks associated with such an effort. We wish to pay our deepest respects to all journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty; our thoughts go out their...
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MISA launches website; free content for media to celebrate 25 Yrs of Windhoek Declaration
MISA hereby advises all print, online and broadcasting media editors, as well as specialist media publications, newsletters and journalism initiatives, that a portfolio of over 40 quality articles and audio-visual content on free media, free expression and access to information in sub-Saharan Africa is available to them for print and online publication or broadcasting at no charge. The articles, written by journalists and media experts...
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MISA Namibia condemns detention of Japanese journalists; confiscation of footage, equipment
MISA Namibia strongly condemns the detention, questioning and confiscation of equipment belonging to journalists Motoi Araki and David Bush at the Hosea Kutako International Airport on Friday, 15 April. Bush and Motoi were in Windhoek to investigate the existence of a munitions factory built by North Korean labourers for Japan’s biggest television network Asahi. Their detention happened approximately two hours after they interviewed Deputy Prime...
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AFEX condemns imprisonment of 17 Angolan human rights activists
The African Freedom of Expression Exchange (AFEX) is alarmed at the farcical conviction of 17 Angolan activists on charges of attempted “acts of rebellion” and “criminal conspiracy” against the state. The 17 activists, all members of the “Luanda Book Club” were first arrested in June 2015 by the Angolan police at a book club gathering. The meeting was convened to read and critique the unpublished...
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MISA applauds investigative journalists, whistleblowers on ‘Panama Papers’ exposé
The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) applauds the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) who coordinated the efforts of hundreds of journalists and news agencies from around in an investigation that has culminated in the release of the ‘Panama Papers – Politicians, Criminals and the Rogue Industry that Hides Their Cash’. The investigation lifts the lid on how offshore companies are used by the...
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Basotho march for media freedom
“#HANDSOFFMEDIA” a historical march to the rescue of media freedom in Lesotho was staged by Concerned Citizens of Lesotho, a group led by one Pali Masenkane. Presenting the petition to the Minister of Communications, Science and Technology Khotso Letsatsi together with the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Kimetso Mathaba, the petitioners gave a 14 days ultimatum to the Government of Lesotho to respond to...
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