Articles by Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA)
Supreme Court reserves judgement on “Standard” journalists
On 20 March 2000, the Supreme Court reserved judgement on the application by “Standard” journalists, editor Mark Chavunduka, and chief reporter Ray Choto, who are challenging Section 50 of the Law and Order Maintenance Act (LOMA). The full bench comprised of Chief Justice Anthony Gubbay and Justices Korsah, Mcnally, Muchechetere and Sandura heard defence lawyers […]
MISA expresses concern over upcoming trial of journalist
The following is a MISA statement in reference to the trial of journalist Rafael Marques, a case of landmark significance: STATEMENT ISSUED BY THE MEDIA INSTITUTE OF SOUTHERN AFRICA (MISA) ON FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2000 The following statement appeals to the presiding magistrate over the trial of journalist, poet and Open Society – Angolan Chapter […]
Mugabe threatens to have opponents killed
On 16 March 2000, President Robert Mugabe reportedly threatened to kill all of those who oppose his rule. According to the “Daily News” newspaper, Mugabe said, “Those who try to cause disunity among our people must watch out because death will befall them.” Mugabe allegedly included white Zimbabweans in his attack saying that they had […]
Newspaper accused of contravening legislation
(MISA/IFEX) – On 14 March 2000, Trevor Ncube and Iden Wetherell, editor-in-chief and deputy director of the weekly “Independent” newspaper, respectively, made “warned and cautioned statements” to the police in presence of their attorney regarding an alleged contravention of the Censorship and Entertainment Control Act. The contravention was related to a Reuters photograph the paper […]
Journalists barred from presidential meeting
(MISA/IFEX) – On 10 March 2000, the State House barred the private media from covering a meeting between President Frederick Chiluba and his Malawian counterpart, Bakili Muluzi. According to a reporter from the “National Mirror” newspaper, Juliet Kaira, reporters’ names were submitted early that morning for coverage of the talks and that evening’s fundraising dinner. […]
“Standard” journalists’ trial date set
The two “Standard” newspaper journalists, Mark Chavunduka and Ray Choto, have been scheduled to appear before a full bench of judges of appeal on 20 March 2000, following their submission of two Supreme Court applications. In a constitutional test case, the lawyers for the two journalists will challenge the validity of Section 50 (2) of […]
Man detained for making “rude” gesture
On 7 March 2000, a Namibian resident, Wayne Liebenberg, was detained for over one hour by the prime minister’s (PM’s) security officers after he gave a “thumbs down” gesture to the PM’s passing cavalcade. According to the Legal Assistance Centre of Namibia, there is no law that forbids citizens to make derogatory gestures at government […]
Postal Telecommunications Bill passed
On 8 March 2000, the Postal Telecommunications (PTC) Bill of 1999 was passed by parliament with allegedly little opportunity for public debate. According to the system administrator of the MANGO non-profit e-mail service, Jim Holland, the parliamentary decision went ahead without consultations from Internet Service Providers (ISPs). He alleged that the ISPs have a liaison […]