News Central TV from Nigeria is calling for the release of its journalists detained in Mozambique while covering protests. Along with them, a local journalist was also taken into custody. The Media Institute of Southern Africa demands their release, emphasizing that journalism should not be criminalized in Mozambique, where violence against reporters has increased following disputed elections.
A Nigerian media outlet, News Central TV, has publicly called for the release of its detained journalists in Mozambique. The correspondents, Bongani Siziba and Sbonelo Mkhasibe, alongside Mozambican reporter Charles Mangwiro, were arrested while covering anti-government protests in the capital, Maputo. Their whereabouts remain unknown, prompting serious concerns from News Central’s editor-in-chief, Kayode Akintemi, who has reported unsuccessful attempts to contact the journalists. The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) has echoed these concerns, demanding their immediate release and a transparent explanation for their detention. “The practice of journalism…is not a crime and journalists should not be victims of kidnapping or detention,” remarked MISA. This situation arises against a backdrop of escalating violence against journalists in Mozambique, highlighted by recent attacks on local reporters covering protests. Human Rights Watch has reported significant fatalities during police crackdowns on demonstrations against the ruling Frelimo Party, which recently claimed victory in controversial elections. The dissent, driven by accusations of electoral rigging from opposition candidate Venancio Mondlane, has seen protests met with deadly force, resulting in at least 30 fatalities since October 9. Amidst this turmoil, digital rights groups have reported multiple mobile internet shutdowns in the country, further complicating communication and information dissemination.
The political climate in Mozambique has become increasingly tense following the recent elections held on October 9, 2024, wherein the ruling Frelimo Party was accused of electoral fraud, triggering protests. The government has responded with aggressive tactics against dissent, including violent crackdowns on demonstrators and now, the detention of journalists. This grim atmosphere poses significant challenges to press freedom and safety for those documenting the events on the ground, raising alarms among media advocacy groups and human rights organizations.
In summary, the detention of journalists in Mozambique amid growing political unrest raises serious concerns regarding press freedom and civil rights in the country. With demands for their release coupled with international scrutiny, the situation underscores the critical importance of safeguarding journalistic practices against undue government interference, particularly in times of heightened political tensions.
Original Source: www.dw.com
