Togo: MFWA welcomes the withdraw of the repressive media regulatory law

Togolese authorities on November 11, 2009 gave hints of their intention to reinitiate a new proposal to replace the October 30 Media Regulatory Amendment Bill that the country’s National Assembly passed strengthening the powers of the Higher Authority for Broadcasting and Communication (HAAC) to deal decisively with the Togolese media.

A source told Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA)’s correspondent that the decision followed the tensions in the country as a result of strong campaign mounted by    civil society groups for the withdrawal of the repressive law.

The correspondent said ahead of the bill’s second reading the authorities have demonstrated their commitment by scheduling a meeting on November 16, between the Assembly’s legal committee and media stakeholders. This meeting is a sequel to an earlier meeting between the media organizations and an interministerial committee on the same matter.

 
The October 30 amendment by the National Assembly allows the HAAC, after only a formal public notice, to resort to "withdrawal of authorisation and seizure of the equipment." The law also allows for "the suspension of publication for a period of six months together with the withdrawal of press cards."

 

The passage of the law sparked widespread condemnation and protest from media groups and freedom of expression organizations and two main opposition political parties, Union of the Forces for Change (UFC), and Committee ofAction for Renewal (CAR).

The group in a strongly worded communiqué issued on November 2, expressed their intention to protest the repressive law until it is amended.  On November 10, it successfully organized a nation-wide media blackout.


MFWA is encouraged by the mass public reaction and commends civil society organizations in Togo for demonstrating such strong opposition to the repressive law.

- November 18, 2009

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Source: www.mediafound.org/index.php (accessed on 19.11.2009)