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Momodou
Denmark
11828 Posts |
 Posted - 30 May 2006 : 12:22:09
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Editorial
FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION MUST BE RESPECTED
The Pa Nderry debacle raises a number of important questions, but the one that concerns us most on which the other questions depend is the issue of freedom of expression a necessary prerequisite for democratic dispensation. Everyone has the right to receive and give information and this right has to be protected in a democratic society.
The constitution provides in section 25 that every person shall have the right of freedom of speech and expression, which shall include freedom of the press and other media. It further provides in section 207 that the freedom and independence of the press and other information media shall be guaranteed.
Why then should ordinary citizens who are not bound by any oath of secrecy such as a fourteen year old school boy be harassed and molested just because they have divulged information? Why should the police ask all those whose names, addresses, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses appear in the list published by the Daily Observer to report to the nearest police station or risk being arrested or prosecuted?
The police have a criminal investigation department and there is a national intelligence agency. They should be competent enough to apply appropriate methods of investigation without causing unnecessary harassment, molestation or embarrassment to its citizens.
Are we in a police state for the police or NIA to quickly jump up and arrest people en masse on the slightest information because of their views or political stance? The Attorney General needs to do his homework before proceeding to defend what can be described as an appalling record of human rights. He should ensure that the security forces abide by the law, including compliance with court orders, and advise the president accordingly to attain the prevalence of the rule of law.
He should let them know that freedom of expression is not a hindrance but an asset to peace, security and stability. This is the first point to note.
The second point to note is that Pa Nderry has made a serious allegation against the state (See article on Pa Nderry Mbai). Not only did Pa Nderry deny that he had closed his web site and had gone over to the APRC, he went further to accuse the state of conniving with others to hack his web site. This is a very serious allegation and we shall endeavour to get a clear statement from the secretary of state for information on this matter before our next publication.
The third point to note is whether the Daily Observer was ethical in the way they conducted themselves on the Pa Nderry issue? We have not yet succeeded to talking to the editor-in-chief of the Daily Observer. When our reporter could not get the editor-in-chief, he tried the managing director but he was directed to the editor-in-chief. We shall endeavour to talk to the editor-in-chief of the Daily Observer before our next publication.
Did the Daily Observer consider the publication of a list of purported informants to be a serious allegation that warranted careful investigation before publication? Did they seek the opinion of Pa Nderry Mbai on this matter and the allegation that he had closed his web site and joined the APRC? Can they be accused of knowingly spreading false information as many believe? These are issues that the editor-in-chief needs to clarify to save the image of the Daily Observer.
Pa Nderry has stated that IT experts are still investigating. It would be interesting to see what facts they come up with. He also indicated his intention to sue the state and the Daily Observer. It would be interesting to see the facts that will emerge from the courts.
What is indisputable is that the web site is still alive and kicking as it used to be.
Source: Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 41/2006, 29-31 May 2006
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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