Articles by Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA)
Editor arrested, another newspaper temporarily closed
(MISA/IFEX) – The editor of the independent bi-weekly “Folha 8”, William Tonet, was arrested at his home on Saturday 2 October 1999. Early on 4 October, Tonet’s lawyer was able to visit him in jail, but was unable to secure his release. Tonet was arrested at 4 a.m. (local time) on the morning of 2 […]
Promising assurances from attorney general on press freedom
(MISA/IFEX) – On 23 September 1999, Angolan Attorney General (AG) Domingos Culolo issued a statement recognising “the value and benefit of the press in a democratic state” and their role in “the permanent fight against all forms of illegalities in general and crime in particular.” Culolo said that the law must be placed between the […]
More journalists could be charged with defamation, further details on the law under which editor is being charged, outcry over plans to introduce new legislation
(MISA/IFEX) – The director of public prosecutions (DPP) in Swaziland, Lincoln Ng’arua, stated that his office is considering pressing charges against other staff members of the “Times of Swaziland” for allegedly publishing defamatory articles about the newest fiancee of King Mswati III. Quoted in the “Swazi Observer” of 28 September 1999, Ng’arua said the DPP […]
“Times Sunday” editor charged with criminal defamation
(MISA/IFEX) – The suspended editor of “Times Sunday” in Swaziland, Bheki Makhubu, was arrested on the night of Sunday 26 September 1999 and appeared in the Mbabane magistrates court on the morning of Monday 27 September on a charge of criminal defamation. He was granted bail of Emalangeni 3000 (South African Rands 3000, approximately US$500) […]
Government reportedly poised to push through new legislation on defamation; editor comes under pressure due to sensitive story
(MISA/IFEX) – According to information received by MISA, the government of Swaziland is reportedly intent on pushing through new legislation to address defamation of character by the media. On 17 September 1999, Minister of Public Service and Information Magwagwa Mdluli confirmed that a private law firm was drafting the legislation and that it would be […]
Newspaper director barred from leaving country, radio station may consider defying minister’s banning order
(MISA/IFEX) – The director of the biweekly “Folha 8”, William Tonet, has been barred from leaving the country, placing his newspaper in financial jeopardy as a consequence. **Updates IFEX alerts of 14 September, 17 August, 13 August, 11 August and 10 August 1999** Tonet said that on 10 September 1999 his name had been listed […]
Journalist called in twice for questioning; ban on foreign news programmes; more details on journalist’s interrogation
(MISA/IFEX) – On 6 September 1999, the director of the bi-weekly “Folha 8”, William Tonet, was called in for questioning by agents of the Selective Crimes Section at the Criminal Investigation Police Department (DNIC) in Luanda. The interrogation was in connection with an article published in “Folha 8” several weeks ago about the 9 August […]
Media policy document completed
(MISA/IFEX) – The Ministry of Information, Posts and Telecommunications has completed working on an information and mass media policy framework that seeks to regulate the operations of the media in Zimbabwe. Permanent Secretary, Willard Chiwewe, announced that the policy framework would be tabled before Cabinet soon, whereafter it would be taken to a stakeholders convention […]