(IFJ/IFEX) – The IFJ is disturbed by recent attacks on freedom of expression in Madagascar. According to the IFJ’s information, on 6 May 1999, Limby Maharavo, the head of the minister of culture and information’s cabinet, gave an order banning James Ramarosaona, president of the Madagascar Order of Journalists, from appearing on Malagasy public television […]
(IFJ/IFEX) – The IFJ is disturbed by recent attacks on freedom of expression
in Madagascar.
According to the IFJ’s information, on 6 May 1999, Limby Maharavo, the head
of the minister of culture and information’s cabinet, gave an order banning
James Ramarosaona, president of the Madagascar Order of Journalists, from
appearing on Malagasy public television (TVM). Ramarosaona had been invited
by Johary Ravoajanahary, a leading journalist with TVM, to a debate on the
theme of journalists’ freedoms and responsibilities, on a weekly debating
programme named “Varo-Jabo”.
Unfortunately, this ban was issued on the day after celebrations marking
World Press Freedom Day, 3 May, which were led by Ramarosaona. This day was
an opportunity to demand the establishment of an Audiovisual Upper Council
(Haut Conseil
Audiovisuel), as well as an end to interference with editorial independence.
The Audiovisual Upper Council would replace the Special Commission on
Audiovisual Communication (Commission spéciale à la Communication
Audiovisuelle), an interministerial commission which recently issued an
ultimatum to Radio Antsiva, the capital’s private radio station, for having
allowed Jean-Claude Raherimanjato, an opposition leader, to criticise the
president.
Finally, on 12 May, the trial of journalist Maka Alphonse is taking place.
The journalist is being tried for having distributed false information
concerning the minister of health, Henriette Rahantalalao.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to the president:
freedom of expression in Madagascar
ministers and the head of state benefit from a special protection against
criticism
consider that public figures are in a position to accept greater criticism
than private citizens
Upper Council is created, that attacks against journalists cease, and that
Ramarosaona, president of the Order of Journalists, be allowed to
participate in public media broadcasts, especially national television, if
invited for an interview
Appeals To
His Excellency Didier Ratsiraka
President
Iavoloha Antananarivo
Madagascar
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
