Review media laws, says MP

Dodoma. The government needs to review its media laws and assess its performance in protecting freedom of expression.

Debating the 2013/2014 budget estimates of the Ministry of Information, Youth, Culture and Sports, Ms Rebecca Mngodo (Special Seats-Chadema) said the government was not doing enough to protect journalists and their rights.

She said Tanzania, which was regarded as an island of tranquillity, had now gained the dubious distinction of being among countries where journalists were routinely attacked and even killed. Ms Mngodo said Tanzania was third in suppressing press freedom in Africa.

“Tanzania was formerly respected for safeguarding human rights, but today we are ranked with the likes of Somalia and Eritrea...the government must do something to ensure people, including journalists, are protected and allowed to work freely,” said the MP.

The Minister of State in the President’s Office (Social Relations and Co-ordination), Mr Stephen Wassira, said the government was doing all in its power to protect press freedom and ensure the security of journalists. He said the fact that there were hundreds of registered newspapers and numerous radio and television stations in Tanzania was testimony to the great extent of press freedom in the country.

“When you accuse the government of not protecting journalists or suppressing freedom of expression, then you should compare us with other governments. Such serious accusations must be backed by facts,” he said.

Mr Murtaza Mangungu (Kilwa South-CCM) said it was time the government started analysing information published by the media to see whether it was intended to help society or cause chaos. He said there were journalists in Tanzania who did not care about national interests.

“We should start vetting what is published by the media...we cannot allow anybody to write anything,” said Mr Mangungu.

Earlier, the minister, Dr Fenella Mukangara, said the protection and safety of journalists was a matter handled by various ministries.