(MISA/IFEX) – On 8 December 1998, the government of Tanzania banned the weekly Swahili-language tabloid “Chombeza” for allegedly publishing a photograph which showed an individual’s private parts, reports the “Gaurdian” newspaper. The ban comes less than two months after a previous ban on the paper was lifted. **Updates IFEX alerts of 24 June, 15 June […]
(MISA/IFEX) – On 8 December 1998, the government of Tanzania banned the
weekly Swahili-language tabloid “Chombeza” for allegedly publishing a
photograph which showed an individual’s private parts, reports the
“Gaurdian” newspaper. The ban comes less than two months after a previous
ban on the paper was lifted.
**Updates IFEX alerts of 24 June, 15 June and 9 June 1998**
In a statement issued by the Minister responsible for Information and
Policy, Mohamed Seif Khatib, the minister also referred to two cartoons and
their accompanying words which were allegedly insulting to the Prime
Minister, Frederick Sumaye. The ban on “Chombeza” was made in terms of
Section 25 (1) of the Newspapers Act No.3 of 1976.
In his statement, Khatib said the government’s stand was to ensure that
published articles were in conformity with social values and would save
children and the youth from falling prey to contemptuous and pornographic
cartoons in the media, particularly newspapers.
The statement also reminded publishers to take into account the appeal made
by top government leaders, including that of President Benjamin Mkapa, that
they should adhere to journalistic ethics in their news and feature writing.
“Once again the government calls upon all media institutions to refrain from
using pornographic cartoons and photographs in order to preserve social
values and live up to the profession of journalism,” the statement said.
From now onwards, the statement concluded, the government would take stern
measures against newspapers which would continue publishing dirty news and
cartoons.
Background Information
On 8 June this year, the then minister responsible for information, Kingunge
Ngombale-Mwiru, banned “Chombeza” along with two other newspapers,
“Kasheshe” and “Arusha Leo”, for what he referred to as their “persistent
featuring of pornographic cartoons and unethical articles.” The ban on all
three papers was lifted on 12 October following representations to the
minister from the owners.
Section 25(1) of the Newspapers Act, No. 3 of 1976 states: “Where the
Minister is of the opinion that it is in the public interest or in the
interest of peace and good order so to do, he may, by order in the Gazette,
direct that the newspaper named in the order shall cease publication as from
the date…specified in the order.”
