Freedom of expression

PRESS RELEASE ABOUT THE CLOSURE OF RADIO MACEQUECE

The Facts

On the afternoon of 12 October 2012, FORCOM was informed that the President of the Municipality of Manica, Mr. Moguem Candieiro, through the use of the Municipal Police Force and Protection Police, had commanded the closure of Macequece Community Radio, owned by the Macequece Community Association of Manica (ACOMAM), an affiliated member of the National Forum of Community Radios – FORCOM.

In this context, FORCOM organized and sent a team made up of the President of this Organization, João dos Santos Jerónimo, by Communication and Advocacy Officer, Naldo Chivite and by the Coordinator and Journalist of the Catandica Community Radio in Barué district, John Chekwa to ascertain the situation. On arrival the team could notice the presence of Protection and Municipality Police Forces, which by orders of his Mayor have told the journalists to switch off the transmitter and close the radio, also preventing the entry of people, including journalists themselves.

“A Frelimo é que Fez a Frelimo é que Faz” were the words uttered by one of the representatives of the Mayor, Manuel Tomo, Community Leader of the Neighborhood 4º Congresso, at the time of closing down the Radio in a clear demonstration of power Abuse. FORCOM unsuccessfully made attempts to contact the District Secretary of the FRELIMO Party, David Franklin, to confirm that these words uttered  by Mr. Manuel Tomo translate the feelings and the position of the party or if it is restricted only to his person.

On her part, the District Administrator, Mrs. Filomena Meigos Manhiça told FORCOM that she was not aware of the issue; therefore, she could not make pronouncements. The District Commander of Police Protection of Mozambique, Mr. Anito Machava said that he had received orders from the Mayor to send the police force because there was a demonstration at that location. However, arriving at the scene no demonstration was taking place.  FORCOM tried, unsuccessfully, to get in touch with the Mayor.

Two months ago four Community Radio journalists were arrested in situations least enlightening and, a day before, a General Meeting had been convened by the Former Chairman of the House, Mr. Simão Tomás Soares, (according to reliable sources this a person with access to and is a close friend of the Mayor and of the former Coordinator of Radio Macequece sidelined for acts of corruption and bad governance). However, no one from the Association which owns the radio including volunteers participated in this meeting since that Mr. Soares no longer has the legitimacy to convene an Assembly.

Until 15.00 hours of October 13, 2012, FORCOM team reported that both the Municipal Police as well as Protection Police remained on-site preventing the reopening of the radio.

FORCOM’s posture

FORCOM stresses that the right to information grants every citizen to inform and to be informed by all legal means, and, as far as freedom of expression is concerned, it constitutes an international and unconditional norm of Human Rights. Freedoms of the Press and of the Expression are enshrined in the Constitution in its article 48 as an insurmountable.

Under the classification spectrum of Human Rights on the basis of generations, the Right to Information, also enshrined in article 19 of the Universal Declaration, is qualified as a first generation rights, because all other rights are dependent on it.

In this sense, any person or entity, including the State, the Government and the political parties should refrain from engaging in acts or omissions which prevent the exercise of the Right to Information and Freedom of the Press and Expression.

It is undeniable that the free access to information by the public generates knowledge, represents one of the pillars of a Democratic State. The right of access to information is an essential element to ensuring the consolidation of peace and Democracy. It is important to recall that 15 days ago (28 September) was celebrated the International Day of the Right to Information and 12 days ago, was commemorated another anniversary of the General Peace Agreement.

FORCOM condemns the attitude of the President of the Municipality of Manica, Mr. Moguem Candieiro, and considers this act of suppress an attack on Peace and democracy. In this context, FORCOM, demands institutions of Justice, Law and Order the reinstatement of Order, the Right to Information and Freedom of Expression and Freedom of Press in the District of Manica.

FORCOM reiterates its desire and the duty to cooperate with the State and the Mozambican Government on promoting the Right to Information, preservation of Peace and the consolidation of Democracy in Mozambique.

Maputo, 13 October 2012

FORCOM