Articles by Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA)

Somaliland journalist gets 2-year sentence for “anti-national activity”
Independent journalist Abdimalik Muse Oldon was accused of allegedly making comments against Somaliland’s president while expressing support for the president of Somalia on social media.

Uganda’s glimpse of hope
2017 is turning out to be a hopeful year for Uganda, as justice is finally being served for numerous violations against journalists.

African free expression network concerned for safety of journalists in Somalia
Between 25 January and 1 April 2017, a total of 11 journalists and one media organisation have been attacked in Somalia, making it one of the most dangerous places to be a journalist in Africa.

Kazakhstan must treat editor Zhanbolat Mamay fairly
Members of IFEX wrote an open letter on behalf of Kazakh Editor Zhanbolat Mamay, calling for a fair and impartial handling of charges against him and full investigation into his mistreatment in prison and threats made to his family.

Ethiopia, DRC & Mali: 183 killed in protests between July-December 2016
A total of 183 deaths were recorded from July to December 2016 following clashes between protestors and security agents in Ethiopia, Democratic Republic of Congo and Mali. To date, not one security agent has been prosecuted for any of the killings in the three countries.

At UNHRC, rights groups highlight deterioration of media freedom in Turkey
Over 70 rights and expression organisations worldwide entreated the UN Human Rights Council’s 34th session to call on Turkey to take immediate steps to address the ongoing free expression crisis in the country.

Cambodia failing to protect human rights defenders ahead of elections
78 civil society groups condemn the crackdown on dissent in the lead up to elections in Cambodia and call on the government to cease their unlawful attacks on human rights defenders.

Sierra Leone authorities arrest anti-corruption activist, confiscate passport
On 31 January 2017, anti-corruption activist Abdul Fatoma was arrested without a warrant, shortly after speaking on the radio about a national corruption scandal. Police confiscated Fatoma’s passport the following day.