The MNN Centre for Investigative Journalism holds a strong belief that the Computer Crime and Cyber Security Bill 2022 on the cards should be subjected to a multistakeholder review and be re-drafted to accommodate and protect media freedom and freedom of expression.
In its current form, the bill purportedly drafted in line with the SADC model law criminalizes investigative journalism, a development that we fear reverses Lesotho’s gains on its democratic values, especially the transparency, accountability, good governance, and human rights promotion.
In the wake of Prime Minister Samuel Matekane’s government through the Ministry of Communications’ attempt to resuscitate the Computer Crime and Cyber Security Bill of 2022, MNN conducted a survey on how the draft law if enacted would impact journalism in Lesotho through a project supported ARISA.
While the Lesotho government says the Bill is intended to police cyberspace and control disinformation and misinformation peddled by faceless individuals on social media platforms like Facebook, journalists responded that they strongly feel targeted by Sections 24, 26, 38, 39, 43 and 59 of the computer crime and cyber security bill 2022.
The Bill and many other concerning incidents are a clear indication of the fragility of press freedom in Lesotho. Journalists said they strongly feel that the impending Computer Crime and Cybersecurity Law will far worsen the situation.
The anticipated functionality of these sections of the bill is going to lead Lesotho into a non-democratic state that disregards transparency and accountability because journalists will choose to stay out of jail overexposing the truth and holding power accountable.
The survey of journalists’ views shows in its conclusion that enacting the Bill in its original form will be “a final nail in the coffin in creating an environment where journalists will self-censor and not investigate and publish evidence-based exposés that help the public to make informed decisions”.
It is therefore recommended that the Lesotho government; through the Minister of Communications, the National Assembly of Lesotho, and the Senate should “reconsider their positions and address the concerns raised by journalists and human rights defenders” before enacting the Bill into law.
A copy of the Survey’s report can be accessed here
