(MISA/IFEX) – On Thursday 14 June 2001, a lawsuit brought against the Botswana government for banning government advertising in two private newspapers critical of its policies was postponed until 25 June. According to a report by the South African Press Association (SAPA), “The Guardian” and the “Midweek Sun” lodged an urgent application in the High […]
(MISA/IFEX) – On Thursday 14 June 2001, a lawsuit brought against the Botswana government for banning government advertising in two private newspapers critical of its policies was postponed until 25 June.
According to a report by the South African Press Association (SAPA), “The Guardian” and the “Midweek Sun” lodged an urgent application in the High Court to have the advertising ban overturned.
SAPA quotes Botswana’s Deputy Attorney General Abednigo Tafa as saying that the case was postponed because the newspapers’ lawyers needed more preparation time.
Background Information
The two newspapers have been overtly critical of the government, especially President Festus Mogae and Vice President Ian Khama.
Last month, an anonymous letter was leaked to “The Guardian”, in which government departments and allied private companies were instructed not to advertise in the two newspapers.
No government minister has taken responsibility for issuing the instruction. However, Molosiwa Selepeng, the permanent secretary to President Mogae, confirmed that the advertising ban had been put into effect. He explained that the move was prompted by economic considerations.
