Freedom of expression vis--vis public order: when is public order, public order, when is it a farce?

On the 8th August 2016, a group of young Batswana assembled at the foyer of the National Assembly of the Republic of Botswana. About three weeks earlier, a Motswana male citizen, picketed the foyer of the National assembly to convey his message relating to his economic status- unemployment. In all these instances, the protesters were arrested and detained for exercising their fundamental rights to express their economic plight to members of Parliament and passers-by.

In the latest incident, the police did not arrest the economic freedom fighters, but unlawfully and brutally assaulted them. To add salt to an injury, the police detained the youngsters at Central Police Station under the guise that an investigation was on-going and an arraignment would be performed at Extension II Magistrates’ Court on the 9th August 2016.

In the wee hours of the morning of the 9th August 2016 (5am to be exact), the police attempted to release the protesters and when the protesters inquired about their court appearance that morning, they were told to forget about it and go home. They refused and demanded to only go home after meeting their lawyers. They were never arraigned and were released without a charge.

Editor's Comment
Stakeholders must step up veggie supply

The Ministry of Agriculture, local producers, retailers, and industry associations must work together to overcome the obstacles hindering vegetable production and distribution.This collaborative approach is essential to improve the availability, quality, and affordability of vegetables in the market.Firstly, the Ministry of Agriculture should provide support and guidance to local farmers to enhance their productivity and efficiency. This could...

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