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Momodou
Denmark
11828 Posts |
 Posted - 27 Apr 2006 : 13:35:00
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FOROYAA Editorial
A GOVERNMENT THAT UNDERMINES ITS IMAGE
What does the government hope to gain by arresting and detaining journalists and closing media houses?
It had closed the Citizen FM without a Court order and when the High Court gave the green light that this media house can operate it was refused a licence. Similarly Sud FM was closed without a court order and has since remained closed.
Now we have seen similar actions taken against the print media. Security personnel occupied and sealed the premises of The Independent without a court order and without any legal basis. They arrested its General Manager and Editor-in-Chief and detained them for 3 weeks only to release them without any formal charge. All questions asked were related to a misdemeanor, which does not even warrant an arrest. After they were released they turned back to arrest another employee of this media house – a receptionist- who simply reported for work after the authorities had given the green light. And what did they ask him: Why did you turn up for work?
What conclusion do they expect people to draw other than to say that this is witch hunting? It is easy for the government to say that some media houses are tarnishing its image and that of the country when it is its very actions and conduct that are undermining its image at home and abroad.
It must learn to abide by the laws and procedures of the land and pursue all matters in good faith. In this way it can win the respect and confidence of people at home and abroad.
Source: Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No.32/2006, 27-30 April, 2005
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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