Attacks on the Press 2003: South Africa
South Africa has the more diverse and sophisticated media on the continent. Although freedom of the press is enshrined in the constitution, a number of old laws that restrict freedom of expression remain on the books. For example, the publication of information on police and security forces is restricted, and the Criminal Procedure Act can…
Attacks on the Press 2002: Preface
Many reporters find themselves in a dilemma when the press comes under attack. Our pride, our institutional and tribal loyalties, all clamor for a retort. We may be the bearers of bad tidings, but we are not their cause. If the truth is inimical to you, we want to argue, assailing us will not alter…
Attacks on the Press 2002: Africa Analysis
Although the Kenya-based East African Standard, one of Africa’s oldest continuously published newspapers, marked its 100th anniversary in November, journalism remains a difficult profession on the continent, with adverse government policies and multifaceted economic woes still undermining the full development of African media.
Attacks on the Press 2002: South Africa
On September 27, in a landmark decision for press freedom in South Africa, a Johannesburg court dismissed a defamation lawsuit filed by Minister of Housing Sankie Mthembi-Mahanyele against the independent daily Mail & Guardian and its former editor Phillip van Niekerk. Van Niekerk and the Mail & Guardian had been sued over the paper’s December…
Zimbabwe Chart
Zimbabwean journalists arrested and charged since Mugabe’s re-election on March 15 Name Date of arrest Charges Action Article or issue leading to charges Peta Thornycroft Mail and Guardian (South Africa); Daily Telegraph (UK) March 27 Public Order and Security Act (POSA) Released without charge, March 31 Investigating reports that supporters of the ruling ZANU-PF party…
Zimbabwe Special Report: On a Rampage
New York, July 11, 2002–Tomorrow, Andrew Meldrum, a U.S. citizen and the Zimbabwe correspondent for the London-based Guardian newspaper, will go to trial on charges of “abusing journalistic privileges” and “publishing false information.” On July 22, his colleagues at Zimbabwe’s independent Daily News, reporter Lloyd Mudiwa, editor-in-chief Geoff Nyarota, and staff writer Collin Chiwanza, will…
Mozambique Report: The Murder of Carlos Cardoso
IntroductionIn July 2001, a CPJ delegation visited the Mozambican capital, Maputo, to learn more about the murder of journalist Carlos Cardoso, who was gunned down in November 2000. The delegation included board member Clarence Page, a columnist with the Chicago Tribune; CPJ deputy director Joel Simon; Africa -program coordinator Yves Sorokobi; South African -journalist Phillip…