Freedom of expression is constitutionally guaranteed but is limited in practice by legislation and lawsuits.
In 2022, Parliament passed the Media Practitioners’ Association Bill. Although viewed as a significant improvement over the draconian 2008 Media Practitioners Act, journalists expressed concerns about the creation of a formal register for journalists and media enterprises.
State-run media outlets dominate the broadcasting sector and have exhibited progovernment bias. A government ban on private-media advertising harms the competitiveness and viability of many outlets. Journalistic activity is also affected by provisions of the National Security Law, DALA, and the DISS Act, as well as the use of strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) to suppress critical press.
State security agencies have been criticized for the harassment and intimidation of journalists. In July 2023, the DISS raided the offices of Mmegi, arrested editor Ryder Gabathuse and reporter Innocent Selatlhwa, and confiscated their devices. The journalists were later released without charge.
In 2023, journalist Tshepo Sethibe challenged the constitutionality of Section 59(1) of the penal code, which criminalizes the publishing of statements that are “likely to cause fear and alarm to the public or to disturb the public peace.” In 2022, Sethibe was arrested and charged for allegedly publishing purportedly false news regarding the disappearance of a boy from Lobatse; Sethibe had made critical comments of the local police’s performance on the matter. Sethibe’s challenge had not been heard by the end of 2023.
Source link : https://freedomhouse.org/country/botswana/freedom-world/2024
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Publish date : 2024-02-29 06:43:48
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