DAR
ES SALAAM, Tanzania
The Tanzanian government on Wednesday August 11, suspended a local newspaper for running what it called a false story saying that President Samia Hassan would not vie for office in 2025, the first newspaper suspension in Hassan's tenure.
The
suspended newspaper, Uhuru, is owned by the country's ruling party Chama cha
Mapinduzi (CCM), which has in effect been in power since independence in 1961.
The
ban came after Uhuru’s issue number 24084 of August 11 published a front-page
story, "I Don't Have Intentions to Contest for Presidency in 2025 -
Samia."
The
daily newspaper established in 1962 quoted a BBC exclusive interview with the
President. Whereby the Head of State talked about her leadership, Covid-19 strategy, growing the economy and
democracy in situation in the country.
"President
Samia Suluhu Hassan has not said any information that she does not have
intentions to contest for presidency in 2025," Gerson Msigwa, Tanzania's
director of information services and chief spokesperson said in a statement.
He
said that the story contravenes section 50(1)(a),(b) and (d) and section 52(d)
and (e) of the Media Services Act, 2016.
Hassan
took office in March following the death of predecessor John Magufuli,
nicknamed "the bulldozer," who downplayed the severity of Covid-19
and banned several newspapers during his six-year administration.
Since
taking office, Hassan has indicated a change in course, urging public vigilance
on Covid-19 and instituting measures to curb its spread.
In
April, she said the government would reinstate media outlawed by Magufuli. Soon
after, however, officials clarified that only online television would benefit
from the measure but those banned newspapers could reapply for their licences.
The
ruling CCM party said Uhuru's board had already suspended three top
officials managing the newspaper, including the CEO, over the story.
The
party was investigating what happened, CCM general secretary Daniel
Chongolo told reporters.
The
suspension would last for 14 days and Uhuru could file an appeal to the
minister of information if they feel aggrieved, Msigwa said.
In
the meantime, Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC) has challenged
the government on whether the paramount right to be heard was accorded to Uhuru
newspapers before the suspension was issued.
“The
case was heard on merit whereby on 28 March 2019 the EACJ decided on the favour
of the petitioners (Media Council of Tanzania, Legal and Human Rights Centre
and THRDC) and ordered the Tanzania government should ensure MSA complies with
the Treaty including amending section 50 and 52 of the Act.” The statement
reads.
“We think it could be proper to take legal measures against the author of such information and not suspending the newspaper from the operation.” He said urging the government of Tanzania to honour the decision of the East African Court of Justice by taking necessary measures to ensure the Media Services Act complies with the EAC Treaty.
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