Cyber law another blow for Ugandan journalists
The Computer Misuse (Amendment) Act 2022 signed in October by President Yoweri Museveni, pictured, is yet another hard blow to freedom of media and expression in Uganda, writes CJA Executive Committee member DRITO ALICE. The law is widely viewed by journalists as a “bad Christmas” and an indicator that the worst is yet to come. […]
Will giving the Nobel Peace Prize to two journalists make a difference?
Yes it can, argues WILLIAM HORSLEY, CJA Executive Committee member and Media Freedom Representative of the Association of European Journalists. The Norwegian Nobel Committee has awarded the Peace Prize to Dmitry Muratov, the editorof Novaya Gazeta in Russia, and Maria Ressa, the co-founder and editor of the investigativemedia outlet Rappler in the Philippines, in recognition […]
Could a new president in Zambia mark another turning point for Africa?
SYED BADRUL AHSAN looks at how new leaderships can inspire, and sometimes disappoint … Interesting things have lately been happening in Africa, not all of which can be regarded as encouraging. But, yes, Africa remains the continent of possibilities. One has to take a look at Zambia to convince oneself that the continent, in however […]
Who wants a “better behaved” media … ?
BHARAT BHUSHAN looks at how much of the Indian media gives the prime minister an easy ride. Hours after being welcomed by troupes of dancers on his return from the US, the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, pictured, made an unexpected visit, well-past sundown, to the ongoing Central Vista project. The next day, the media was […]
Indian move on pensions seen as attempt to gag criticism
By CJA vice-president BHARAT BHUSHAN Gag orders are expected to ensure a fair trial in high profile legal cases if the judge feels that the media narrative is pushing public opinion in favour of one party. But a gag order by the Executive is harder to justify. The government has threatened to withhold pensions of officers retiring […]
Renowned Pakistani journalist well admired in India
A personal tribute by former CJA President Mahendra Ved Rahimullah Yusufzai, pictured, one of Pakistan’s best-known, and highly respected journalists, has passed away after losing a prolonged fight against cancer. I came across some of his writings during my information-gathering exercises for my book during tours of Central Asian Republics abutting Afghanistan. They hosted several […]
Uganda, where entrenched leadership blocks the future
A personal view of the general election in Uganda, where the tradition of the long-serving leader holding on to power has been repeated with Yoweri Museveni’s disputed victory, by SYED BADRUL AHSAN. A prime reason why Nelson Mandela is venerated worldwide is his dedication to democratic principles. He spent 27 years in prison and then liberated […]
BOOKS: Revealing the sinister state of post-genocide Rwanda
By Richard Bourne “Do Not Disturb”, by Michaela Wrong an investigative journalist, is the book that every reporter should read who plans to cover the Commonwealth summit in Kigali. She has been writing about central Africa from Eritrea to the Congo for 20 years, for the Financial Times among others. She tears away the veils […]
BOOKS: Populism, Indian style
Narendra Modi: The Yogi of Populism, by Mihir Bose If political populism was an international sport, Narendra Modi would have to be given a handicap, writes MARTIN LUMB. Seizing on what his Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party has decried as the corruption, inertia and nepotism of the post-colonial era, he’s fed an eager populace with […]
Covid Diplomacy reaps dividends for India
When it comes to supplying Covid vaccines, India is stealing China’s thunder, with not only medical gains but huge diplomatic benefits, writes Jayanta Roy Chowdhury Early in January, Dhaka’s television channels were agog with news that, despite Bangladesh paying for supplies of Covid-19 vaccines from India’s Serum Institute, New Delhi may block shipments abroad […]