Swazi journalists are refusing to be intimidated by warnings that they will be jailed if they contravene the Swaziland’s Suppression of Terrorism Act, 2008.
The Swaziland Attorney General warned journalist that they would be in trouble with the law if they published things that were critical of the Swazi Government and supported ‘terrorist’ organisations.
The Times of Swaziland reports today (19 November 2008) that journalists argue ‘that it would not only be irresponsible but also unconstitutional for government to send scribes to jail for reporting accurately and factually about actual events’.
The Times reports, ‘Both the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Swaziland Chapter and the Swaziland National Association of Journalists (SNAJ) have reacted with disapproval to the warning about being careful how they go about their duties in light of the authorities’ decision to use this law against those perceived to be terrorists’.
The law stipulates jail sentences of up to 25 years for people involved in terrorism acts or those who appear to be sympathising with perceived terrorists.
The Times said the warning to journalists was sounded by Attorney General Majahenkhaba Dlamini, who said journalists would not be spared if it became apparent that they were reporting in a manner that seemed to support terrorists.
Timothy Simelane, SNAJ Secretary General, says journalists are not intimidated by threats that they could be in trouble for reporting on entities branded terrorists.
‘Journalists have an obligation to inform the public,’ he said.
‘As long as whatever matter at hand is news worthy and factual, we are going to report it.’
Simelane said as an organisation with the interests of journalists in mind, they did not want to believe that the Suppression of Terrorism Act was there to silence journalists.
He said they drew strength from the Swaziland Constitution Section 25 which gives the right to the freedom of assembly and association. The constitution also protects the right to freedom of expression, which includes the right to freedom of the press and media.
Comfort Mabuza, MISA Swaziland Director, said penalising the media for reporting facts would be an irresponsible development on the part of government.
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