Impunity for crimes against journalists discussed
All citizens suffer when a journalist’s life is at risk or when a journalist mowed down for doing their work, Namibia Media Trust director Zoe Titus said.
Wetumwene Shikage
WINDHOEK
Crimes committed towards journalists are on the rise. This has led to the question: How far has Namibia come to turning these threats away and creating a safe space for journalists to thrive in their careers?
The role of the media is critical in disseminating information to the public. When members of the public threaten journalists, this defeats the purpose of their work.
In a social media post, director of the Namibia Media Trust, Zoe Titus, mentioned the importance of observing the international day to end impunity for crimes against journalists.
“It is worth nothing that there is a thriving culture of impunity in Africa,” she said.
In an online article by iSpeak, Titus added that all citizens suffer when a journalist’s life is at risk or when a journalist mowed down for doing their work.
“There are so many really good examples of how media has changed people’s lives,” she said.
Press freedom at risk
Meanwhile, managing director of Namibia Daily News, Robert Maseka said he does not think impunity is a threat to Namibian journalists. He, however, said press freedom in Namibia is declining and much needs to be done to enable journalists to do their job without fear.
Maseka added that the newly established Namibia Media Professionals Union (Nampu) is still in its infancy and this makes it difficult to conclude that journalists are fully protected for the work they do.
“I got threatened for publishing a story which was written by one of our news partners. I was approached by someone who bullied me to remove the story from our website, but I knew how legitimate and reliable it was,” he said.
WINDHOEK
Crimes committed towards journalists are on the rise. This has led to the question: How far has Namibia come to turning these threats away and creating a safe space for journalists to thrive in their careers?
The role of the media is critical in disseminating information to the public. When members of the public threaten journalists, this defeats the purpose of their work.
In a social media post, director of the Namibia Media Trust, Zoe Titus, mentioned the importance of observing the international day to end impunity for crimes against journalists.
“It is worth nothing that there is a thriving culture of impunity in Africa,” she said.
In an online article by iSpeak, Titus added that all citizens suffer when a journalist’s life is at risk or when a journalist mowed down for doing their work.
“There are so many really good examples of how media has changed people’s lives,” she said.
Press freedom at risk
Meanwhile, managing director of Namibia Daily News, Robert Maseka said he does not think impunity is a threat to Namibian journalists. He, however, said press freedom in Namibia is declining and much needs to be done to enable journalists to do their job without fear.
Maseka added that the newly established Namibia Media Professionals Union (Nampu) is still in its infancy and this makes it difficult to conclude that journalists are fully protected for the work they do.
“I got threatened for publishing a story which was written by one of our news partners. I was approached by someone who bullied me to remove the story from our website, but I knew how legitimate and reliable it was,” he said.
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article