Botswana’s intelligence agency raids “Mmegi” newspaper office
Botswana’s intelligence agency releases journalists Ryder Gabathuse and Innocent Selatlhwa but keeps their electronic devices.
Botswana government urged to put an end to its undue interference in the work of civil society organisations
Efforts to interfere in the work of civil society can be precursors to worse human rights violations that would affect civic space and the democratic credibility of the country, while also eroding Botswana’s history of positive engagement with civil society.
MISA making headway with regional advocacy efforts
A meeting between MISA Regional Governing Council representatives and government officials could translate into modification of Botswana’s Criminal Evidence Procedure (Controlled Investigations) Bill.
Botswana media groups concerned over proposed surveillance law
If passed into law, Botswana’s Criminal Procedure and Evidence (Controlled Investigation) Bill will allow authorities to intercept communications and compel journalists to divulge their sources.
Report on the state of digital migration in SADC region launched
MISA report looks at the respective broadcasting digital migration processes of countries in Southern Africa.
5 staff members at Botswana’s “Moeladilotlhoko News Boiler” charged with criminal trespass
Investigations into the disappearance of Obakeng Badubi in January, results in “Moeladilotlhoko News Boiler” staff facing charges of seditious treason and criminal trespass.
COVID-19 accelerates media sustainability crisis in Southern Africa
Diverse, free and independent media is under severe threat as the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted the financial viability of media outlets in the region.
Groundbreaking court ruling allows LGBT rights group to register organisation in Botswana
The Botswana High Court, in a groundbreaking decision, ruled on November 14, 2014, that members of a lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) rights group could formally register their organisation.
Judgement day looms for Botswana LGBT group
It’s not illegal to be gay in Botswana, but sometimes it must feel like it. Just ask Lesbians, Gays and Bisexuals of Botswana (LEGABIBO), a non-profit group that’s been fighting for a decade to get official standing in the country, a battle that will come to a head over the next couple of weeks.
Botswana: Access to information, balanced coverage essential for fair, credible elections
The Media Institute of Southern Africa recently observed the conduct of the media and electoral bodies during Botswana’s 2014 parliamentary and local government elections, held on 24 October 2014. The mission found that the media performed well, though there could be improvements.
Botswana: “Sunday Standard” editor arrested, colleague flees following threats
Editor Outsa Mokone was arrested by police on 8 September 2014. His colleague, reporter Edgar Tsimane, recently fled Botswana after being threatened over an article for the Sunday Standard.
Football team official attacks photojournalist in Botswana
On 29 November, Midweek Sun photographer Tshekiso Tebalo was assaulted by Mochudi Center Chiefs’ football team official, Sebele Morakanyane, at the University of Botswana Stadium, as he covered a game between the Mochudi Center Chiefs and the Township Rollers.
Botswanan weekly’s independence threatened by printer’s refusal to publish
The Printing and Publishing Company Botswana refused to print the 20–26 January 2013 edition of The Patriot on Sunday, creating concern about how the editorial independence of the paper has been threatened.
Freedom of information law must be strengthened, says ARTICLE 19
Although ARTICLE 19 welcomes the initiative to draft a law on access to information, it falls short of international and regional standards on freedom of expression and requires amendments.