Posts Tagged ‘Sub-Saharan Africa’
June 9th, 2010
Editors of the US-based newspaper
Gambia Echo have seen access to their website from within Gambia
blocked by the country’s government. In a letter sent to the US State Department on June 4, the imprint’s editor-in-chief claims the move is part of a trend under President Yahya Jammeh towards restricting press freedom. Gambia Echo’s website, and that of Freedom Newspaper, another independent imprint, were previously blocked in 2008.
June 8th, 2010
Police in Somaliland
arrested three journalists and six others last Wednesday (2 June), after activists leased a house next to that of the region’s president and used it to display a flag in support of the opposition Kulmiye party. Speaking from prison, one of the journalists, Mohamed Said, claimed that he was arrested after he filmed police beating a group of opposition supporters. The arrests come during the run-up to a presidential election scheduled for 26 June.
June 8th, 2010
The launch of the first new independent domestic Zimbabwean newspaper in 17 years
was disrupted by Harare police on Friday (4 June). Shortly before the first edition of NewsDay was due to be delivered to newstands around Harare, the newspaper’s marketing manager, Linda Msika, was arrested along with distribution staff and vendors. Police officers were allegedly unhappy that
NewsDay — given a publishing license by the Zimbabwe Media Commission last week — was to give away Friday’s edition for free. After being detained for several hours, staff members were released without charge, and the distribution of the newspaper was allowed to proceed. NewsDay, owned by the independent Alpha Media Holdings group, is expected to offer a counterpoint to Harare’s two state-owned, pro-government newspapers.
June 2nd, 2010
Following criticism from Muslim groups, the
Mail & Guardian newspaper has apologised for publishing a satirical cartoon depicting the prophet Mohammed, and have agreed to refrain from publishing images of him in the future.. The cartoon, by resident illustrator Zapiro, sparked fierce debate and anger when it was published as part of the Facebook-organised Draw Mohammed Day on May 20. The newspaper’s apology comes after a meeting between editorial staff and the United Muslim Forum of South Africa.
May 25th, 2010
Two employees of Gays and Lesbians of Zimbabwe, the country’s only gay and lesbian advocacy group, have been arrested after police raided their offices.
Ellen Chademana and Ignatius Muhambi were accused of possessing pornographic materials and dangerous drugs, after a search conducted under Zimbabwe’s repressive censorship laws which also saw the seizure of documents and computers. Since their arrest, the suspects have been
denied contact with their lawyers, despite the fact that Chademana suffers from diabetes. Police have not confirmed either the specific charges being brought against the pair, or when they are likely to be released.
May 24th, 2010
The leader of the People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO), an opposition party, has been arrested and charged with terrorism offences following the funeral of party member Sipho Jele.
Mario Masuku was arrested after giving a eulogy that mentioned PUDEMO by name, an offence under Swaziland’s Suppression of Terrorism Act. Jele’s funeral had
previously been postponed following a police raid. His suspicious death in police custody after being arrested for wearing a T-shirt bearing an opposition logo sparked protests.
May 18th, 2010
Augustie Chihuri, Zimbabwe’s police commissioner, has
banned public demonstrations and protests during this summer’s World Cup, taking place in neighbouring South Africa. Reports indicate that a decision to curtail all public protests “from June 1 until further notice” has already been circulated to senior officers, and will be formally announced later in May.
May 18th, 2010
Staff at radio station
Fréquence Plus were been attacked by police during live interview with opposition politician Ambroise Ravinson. Three employees were assaulted by members of the special intervention force, with one knocked unconscious and another hospitalised with a broken shoulder after being hit with a rifle butt. The soldiers went on to destroy studio equipment, before taking custody of Ravinson, forcibly removing him from the studio, and placing him under house arrest. The damage to its studio has left Fréquence Plus unable to broadcast for the foreseeable future.
