Withdraw the draconian bill!

Mmegi Editor | Monday January 31, 2022 06:00

Part of the Bill provides for an interception of communications framework, which authorises the interception of communications by investigatory authorities and sets out the role of service providers in controlled investigations for the gathering of criminal evidence.

As stated by various stakeholders, the piece of legislation is a sensitive one and as much as it is said to be enacted in order to satisfy international standards, Batswana should not be left out. President Mokgweetsi Masisi promised consultation in his administration. Why can’t the Bill be brought through normal procedures and be discussed with Batswana? As it stands, the proposed law will only be determined by the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) members as they have the numbers in Parliament.

There are already doubts raised by members of the opposition, lawyers and other members of society about the new law. This therefore, makes it imperative that such a piece of legislation is not rushed, but rather a national dialogue ensues on it.

A collective of Botswana media organisations that includes MISA Botswana, Press Council of Botswana and Botswana Editors Forum have been alarmed by the contents of the Bill. We are in agreement that the Bill will not get enough scrutiny and interrogation from the public due to the manner in which it has been rushed to Parliament. This alone, given the huge implications of the law and its direct bearing on a large number of people is a sign of dishonesty and disengenuousness on the part of Botswana government.

As journalists we will be greatly affected by this law, but just like the government did with the Media Practitioners Bill, we have not been consulted despite the adverse impact it will have in our work. As stated by Botswana Media bodies, this goes against the ethics of journalism, in particular where sources of information are supposed to be protected.

For the media, protection of sources is cardinal. It would be regressive and against the practice of journalism if communication between journalists and their sources were to be intercepted by government and its law enforcement agencies. In fact, such interception exposes not just the journalists but also their sources to grave danger. Who will then hold who accountable? How will graft busting agency, DCEC and other bodies receive anonymous tip offs if the tippers will be eavesdropped? To you Batswana, and the civil society, let’s all stand up and make our voices heard on social media, radio stations and our Kgotlas.