The organisation, which advocates for freedom of expression and press independence across the region, says journalists in Botswana are increasingly facing public attacks, including accusations of spreading misinformation.
MISA Botswana Chairperson Thomas Nkhoma said some of the attacks are being amplified by individuals occupying senior public office, raising serious concerns about the erosion of democratic principles. “Such conduct is unacceptable in a constitutional democracy,” Nkhoma said.
He added that the institute is particularly troubled by reports involving Radio Botswana broadcaster Letumile ‘Lets’ Montsosa, who was reportedly removed from the Masaasele morning programme after a tightly controlled broadcast focused on the Constitutional Court.
“If confirmed, this constitutes a direct assault on editorial independence and represents political interference within public broadcasting,” Nkhoma warned.
MISA Botswana has urged authorities to respect constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression and to ensure that journalists can carry out their work without intimidation, censorship or reprisals.
–ChannelAfrica–
