Luqman Cloete
6 May 2008
Windhoek — HOSTILITY against the media that borders on intolerance of media freedom is on the increase in Namibia, says press watchdog Misa Namibia.
Speaking at the launch of Misa's annual publication 'So This is Democracy?' at Keetmanshoop on the eve of World Freedom Press Day, Misa Namibia National Chairman Christof Maletsky said reports included in the publication were evidence of disturbing trends in the country.
The annual publication reports on the state of media freedom in Southern Africa.
It said an array of Swapo office bearers labelled the media as "hostile, Eurocentric, divisive, reactionary and enemies of the state" last year.
"A Member of Parliament calling the media hooligans is quite disturbing and totally unacceptable," Maletsky said.
He noted that not only reporters in the private media been threatened during the past 12 months, but those working for State-owned media such as the NBC too.
This year's publication reports five cases of threats made against media practitioners in Namibia.
Maletsky added that Namibia scored poorly among countries violating press freedom because of the ruling party and Government's tendency to crush opposing views.
"The struggle to defend the media remains a priority," Maletsky said.
"We're going to defend our rights."
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