Maseru, Mar. 30 — Media Institute of Southern Africa-Lesotho Chapter (MISA Lesotho) has issued a statement raising concerns about attempted suppression of media in the country.
The statement indicated that recent remarks made by some public officials in which they tried to intimidate and suppress the work of journalists, undermine the essential role of the media in a democratic society. They added that it indicates a disturbing trend of hostility towards the media.
They pointed out that comments made during a press conference held last week by the Ministry of Energy where the media was threatened with legal action by the Principal Secretary in the same ministry for publishing reports that contradict his narrative, were direct attacks on the independence of the press and its ability to report facts as well as hold officials accountable and serve the public interest.
MISA-Lesotho stated that they are concerned by a response from the Deputy Prime Minister to a question asked by a reporter from Moafrika FM during a press conference which was organised by the National Assembly’s Women Caucus on Thursday this week. SM/TL
