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FILE - For illustration purposes only. [File photo: CSCS Moçambique/Facebook]
The Higher Mass Media Council (CSCS) ,the sector’s disciplinary body in Mozambique, condemned on Wednesday “cases of limitation and violation of press freedom” in the country.
“We have been following cases of limitation and violation of press freedom with concern, particularly attacks on journalists,” said a statement from the CSCS on International Press Freedom Day, which is marked today.
The organisation pointed to incidents of illegal detention of journalists and misappropriation of their work equipment as conducts that curtail the space to do journalism.
“It is important to realise that freedom of the press and freedom of expression are fundamental rights,” it stressed.
The CSCS criticised the fact that violations of these rights are carried out by public entities but also by private bodies, “some through ignorance of the law and others purely and simply through disrespect”.
The note also deplores behaviour that violates the law, ethics and professional deontology by journalists and the media.
“There continue to be cases, albeit isolated, of some media outlets broadcasting shocking content, without any prior warning, and other unethical cases,” the note said.
Other media outlets disseminate unprotected images of women and children victims of sexual violence and of detained citizens accused of criminal practices, an exposure which violates the right to protection and the presumption of innocence.
Civil society organisations have warned that press freedom and freedom of expression could be curtailed in the country if the Mozambican parliament approves proposed laws that give the government the power to regulate the functioning of the media and the award of professional cards.
For critics of the proposals, these prerogatives should be exercised by an independent body rather than the government.
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