Mozambique: President ‘defends right to information’ on Press Freedom Day

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Mozambique: President ‘defends right to information’ on Press Freedom Day

2:28 CAT | 03 May 2021

File photo: O País

Mozambique’s president, Filipe Nyusi, has pledged that the government will “defend the right to information” in a message alluding to Press Freedom Day, which is marked today.

“In fulfilling its mission of improving the living conditions of communities and strengthening democracy in Mozambique, the government reaffirms its commitment to continue defending the right to information,” as well as “the main actors in the practical translation of this desideratum – journalists,” he said.

In his message, he said that the day should be used for “reflection” by each person on their contribution “in favour of responsible access to information” and pointed to some interventions that he considers important in the sector.

“We will continue to focus on improving the quality of press activity and facilitating its exercise through the approval of the journalist’s professional card, the creation of a communication policy for the development and regulation of community radio and television stations, among other urgent interventions” the message reads.

According to Nyusi, the theme chosen for this year’s celebrations, “Information as a public good,” raises awareness among states about “the urgent need to value information” and to “reflect on good practices in the exploration, production, distribution and reception of content to strengthen journalism and promote transparency and empowerment, leaving no one behind.

Also read: Mozambique falls in 2021 global press freedom index

The Mozambican president also said that in the context of Covid-19, “press freedom becomes more relevant, as people not only need to be informed about the evolution of the pandemic but they should also be educated to adopt responsible behaviours”.

Press Freedom Day was also chosen by the Institute for Social Communication in Southern Africa (Misa Mozambique) for the release of a report that ranks 2020 as the year in which more cases of violation of freedom of the press and freedom of expression were recorded in Mozambique in the last five years.

Last year 32 violations were recorded, including the disappearance of a journalist, Ibraimo Mbaruco, with physical assaults predominating, with 10 cases.

The organization believes that “one of the reasons for the growth of crimes against journalists in Mozambique is justified in the impunity of its perpetrators and lack of action by the authorities.

Source: Lusa