lesotho: Newspaper sued by private company
The Lesotho National Insurance Group (LNIG) is suing the weekly tabloid "Mohahlaula", for publishing a news item that the company has deemed to be damaging to its business activities. In its 15 November 2002 edition, the publication reported that the company was facing possible bankruptcy due to alleged mismanagement of funds.
IFEX - News from the international freedom of expression community
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ALERT - LESOTHO
18 December 2002
Newspaper sued by private company
SOURCE: Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA), Windhoek
(MISA/IFEX) - The Lesotho National Insurance Group (LNIG) is suing the weekly
tabloid "Mohahlaula", for publishing a news item that the company has deemed to
be damaging to its business activities.
In its 15 November 2002 edition (Volume 4 No. 46), the publication reported that
the company was facing possible bankruptcy due to alleged mismanagement of
funds. The report further elaborated on alleged internal power struggles within
the LNIG. A summons was subsequently issued, restraining "Mohahlaula" from
publishing reports on the LNIG until the court ruled on the case. Despite the
summons, "Mohahlaula" informed the public about the proceedings and that it was
being denied the right to inform its readers, hence denying people their right
to access information.
MISA-Lesotho (Miles) issued a statement condemning the attempt to silence
"Mohahlaula". Miles is concerned that a court ruling in favour of the LNIG could
result in the publication's closure, due to a shortage of funds for legal and
other associated fees.
For further information, contact Zoe Titus or Kaitira Kandjii, Regional
Information Coordinator, MISA, Street Address: 21 Johann Albrecht Street,
Mailing Address; Private Bag 13386 Windhoek, Namibia, tel: +264 61 232975, fax:
+264 61 248016, e-mail: [email protected] or [email protected], Internet:
http://www.misa.org/
The information contained in this alert is the sole responsibility of MISA. In
citing this material for broadcast or publication, please credit MISA.
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