Articles by Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA)
African Commission adopts resolution on media attacks in Somalia
In the resolution, the ACHPR “strongly condemns the serious violations of the right to life committed against journalists and media practitioners” and appeals for “the immediate cessation of harassment and intimidation aimed at independent media organisations” in Somalia.
Swaziland: Human rights lawyer and journalist charged with contempt of court
Thulani Maseko and Bheki Makhubu have been charged with contempt of court over two separate articles that appeared in the Nation magazine and were critical of the arrest of government vehicle inspector Bhantshana Gwebu.
27-year jail sentence for Somali journalist in Ethiopia a “travesty of justice”
The African Freedom of Expression Exchange condemns the 27-year sentence imposed on Mohamed Aweys Mudey and notes that the Ethiopian media environment is characterized by the arrest of journalists.
Civil society groups urge African countries to pass access to information laws
A group of nine civil society organisations has urged countries without access to information legislation, such as Ghana, to take urgent steps to put a law in place.
Twelve Southern African “women to watch” who are improving media freedom
“The twelve women profiled in this publication are all contributing, in their own unique and creative ways, to making southern Africa a more conducive environment for media freedom and improving the ability of all people to access their right to freedom of expression” said MISA Regional Director Ms Zoe Titus.
Zimbabwean police assault newspaper vendor
Newspaper vendor Fungai Dhori was reportedly assaulted by a group of three policemen in Harare who accused him of feeding NewsDay papers with “fictitious stories” about corruption in the police force.
On Valentine’s Day, southern African countries urged to respect LGBT rights
For a person to fully enjoy their human rights, they must be able to express their sexual orientation and their gender identity freely and without fear. This is not possible when there is no freedom of opinion and expression. So this Valentine’s Day, the Media Institute of Southern Africa reminds southern Africans that the right to freedom of expression belongs to everyone.
New African free expression network highlights need for protection of journalists
The African Freedom of Expression Exchange, a network of organisations who are also IFEX members, has deplored the current state of attacks, arrests, and harassments meted out to journalists in many countries on the continent, especially in Eritrea, Ethiopia, Nigeria and Somalia.