States in Southern Africa cracking down on free expression online
Countries in the SADC region are being urged to take a human rights based approach when crafting cybersecurity and cybercrime legislation.
Madagascar state media mounts smear campaign against French journalist
Gaëlle Borgia’s report on Madagascar’s acute famine stirs authorities into driving a smear campaign against the award winning journalist.
Madagascan journalist Arphine Helisoa charged in a case of mistaken identity
The Committee to Protect Journalists is requesting the immediate release of Madagascan journalist Arphine Helisoa, charged with spreading false news and incitement of hatred toward the President.
Madagascar goes after Jupiter
Radio Jupiter investigative journalist is charged with seven “outrageous” charges after reporting on illegal sapphire mines and power companies cheating its clients.
Madagascan opposition media attacked amidst political polarisation
Located in Fianarantsoa, 400 km south of the capital, the regional branch of Viva, a radio and TV broadcaster owned by former transitional President Andry Rajoelina, was ransacked by masked individuals.
Madagascar’s new cybercrime law punishes defamation with up to 5 years imprisonment
Madagascar’s National Assembly has quietly adopted a cybercrime law that provides for prison sentences for anyone insulting or defaming a state representative online.
Madagascar police interrogate journalists as part of criminal investigation
Serge Razanaparany was detained and questioned by the local police. He is among the many people who have been arrested by the police investigating the lynching of three men accused of killing a boy whose body was found on a beach on 2 October.
Radio station suspends broadcasts after airing message from mutinying soldiers
The communication minister reacted to the airing of the message by saying Free FM was “liable to be prosecuted for complicity in an attack on state security.”
More than 80 broadcasters closed on orders given by authorities
Under the guise of a so-called “consolidation of the broadcast landscape,” the government is censoring a multitude of small private stations.
Radio Fahazavana personnel freed; another opposition radio station suspended
Ten Radio Fahazavana employees had been in pre-trial detention for several months and still face charges of “inciting a revolt”.
Closures, ransacking and disinformation: media at heart of crisis, says RSF report
RSF released a report on the media’s role in the country’s ongoing political crisis.
Provincial journalist prosecuted over report on poaching of sea turtles
Alphonse Afakandro is being prosecuted on charges of defamation, insult and dissemination of false information following a complaint by the local gendarmerie.
Journalists jailed pending trial, radio station closed
Soldiers carried out a raid on Radio Fahazavana on 20 May, confiscating broadcasting equipment and transmitters and arresting 10 employees.
Soldiers vandalise radio station studios, brutally assault three staff members
“Malagasy journalists and media should not be made the victims of score-settling between politicians,” said RSF.