case study MISA Programme specialist for Media Freedom Monitoring & Research Levi Kabwato said the attack was “an unfortunate sign of waning respect for journalists” in Tanzania, exacerbated by the government’s own conduct towards the media. “We also know that [Kibanda] is facing sedition charges, along with other journalists. We also know that there is a newspaper that remains banned under the outdated 1976 Newspaper Act and we also know that there are several other journalists, media practitioners and human rights defenders who have come under fire of late in Tanzania. We sincerely hope that president Kikwete will, as a result of this latest attack, devote considerable time and energy in ensuring that an environment exists, in his country, that is not hostile to media freedom and freedom of expression.” Tanzania is currently going through arguably one of its worst periods in terms of media freedom. In September 2012 a prominent journalist, Daudi Mwangosi died instantly when members of a police unit fired a teargas canister through his stomach. In January 2013 radio journalist, Issa Ngumba, was found dead in a forest with his body showing signs of torture, including gunshot wounds. A newspaper, MwanaHalisi, has also been banned under the draconian 1976 Newspaper Act. MISA continues to advocate for a media environment in southern Africa that promotes safety and rights of journalists and media practitioners. 9 Back Contents Next