Botswana: Publishers challenge Media Practitioners Act in court

12 May 2009

Botswana publishers, on 6 May 2009, registered a statutory notice with the attorney general and the Ministry of Communications Science and Technology, challenging the Media Practitioners Act of 2008.

The step brings to fruition the publishers' resolution of March 2009 in which they resolved to take the legal route in their quest to have the law repealed. Among other issues, the notice challenges clauses of registration and accreditation of journalists, the enforced right to reply, as well as the act's implications on the constitution of the country and its international commitments. The notice continues to call on the courts to declare the act as invalid.

MISA Botswana has committed to supporting the publishers' case.

Background

The Government of Botswana in December 2008 enacted the Media Practitioners Act to regulate the media. There has been public outcry against the act as it is deemed to be contrary to the country's democratic credentials. The government had been trying to enact the law since 1997 but had always backed down as a result of public pressure.

Article published courtesy of IFEX