(MISA/IFEX) – An order from the district commander instructing an officer of the Pitso Ground Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) to release information to a journalist has gone unheeded. On 25 October 2002, the local weekly newspaper “Moeletsi Oa Basotho” (“The Advisor of Basotho”) sought information from the LMPS, pertaining to a culprit, armed with […]
(MISA/IFEX) – An order from the district commander instructing an officer of the Pitso Ground Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) to release information to a journalist has gone unheeded.
On 25 October 2002, the local weekly newspaper “Moeletsi Oa Basotho” (“The Advisor of Basotho”) sought information from the LMPS, pertaining to a culprit, armed with a knife, who was allegedly attacking citizens. The newspaper reported that one of its reporters approached a police official, surnamed Mare, who, following an order from District Commander Mothibeli, refused to divulge information on the case.
MISA’s Lesotho chapter (Miles) approached Officer Mare for clarification on the matter. She categorically denied receiving such an order, indicating instead that the district commander should have informed her in writing or by phone to part with the information in question.
Miles condemned the incident, saying that “the LMPS should, in all respects, be in a position to part with any information regarding issues that directly or indirectly affect the public, unless they are proven to pose a threat to national security.” Miles strongly criticised the act of denying media practitioners access to information, adding that in doing so the LMPS was denying the nation its fundamental right to information.
Background Information
Miles, in conjunction with other stakeholders, is currently working on a process that will facilitate access to information by media practitioners in Lesotho, hence the on-going drafting of access to information legislation.
