3 March 2008
Monrovia — Over 40 African media practitioners have convened in Burkina Faso for an International Seminar on the de-criminalization of press offence laws on the continent.
The three days seminar seeks to further knowledge on decriminalization of press offence laws specifically in West Africa, the prevailing arguments surrounding decriminalization and media accountability and much broader issues of free expression and the right to information.
The organizers hope that following the various deliberations, participants will be able to identify effective strategy and common purpose in preparing an actionable agenda to address decriminalization.
The forum is the second in a series of engagement aimed at heightening public knowledge on 'insults laws' and their repercussions to safeguarding free expression principles. In West Africa, only Togo and Ghana have de-penalized press offence laws.
Speaking at the forum, Liberia's representative and the Executive Director of the Liberia Media Center, Lawrence Randall said while efforts have been made to reform the media laws and policies in Liberia, his center recognizes the need for a review of criminal libel laws and the implications to stifle free expression evident by few recurring incidents involving the media and authorities as well as private individuals.
He said, while it was true that the media needed to operate in an environment that doesn't compromise its independence, it was equally important for media support agencies to advocate for greater accountability and higher standards, issues often leading to criminal law suits.
The forum is being convened by the Nobert Zongo Media Center with support from the Danish and French governments.
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