Journalist receives death threat, motive unclear
Journalist ‘Marafaele Mohloboli said she does not know who might be behind a threatening note sent to her home.
Journalist sentenced to two years in jail with option of a fine for sedition
(MISA/IFEX) – On 22 October 2008 the High Court of Lesotho sentenced broadcast journalist Thabo Thakalekoala to two years in prison for sedition or alternatively a fine of M200 (US$18). Thakalekoala was charged with sedition after he read a letter on air which called for the arrest of Lesotho Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili and his […]
Harvest FM radio station back on air
(MISA/IFEX) – On 22 October 2008, Harvest FM hit the airwaves again after three months of suspension by the broadcasting regulator. Station manager Malichaba Lekhoaba appeared on the morning “Rise and Shine programme” to give a background on the recent run-in the radio station had with the broadcasting regulator. Harvest FM’s broadcasting license was suspended […]
Defunct weekly issued hefty fine in defamation case
(MISA/IFEX) – A defunct Lesotho weekly, “The Mirror”, its editor and EPIC Printers were slapped with a M50 000 (USD $8 000) fine by the High Court of Lesotho on 29 September 2008 for defaming Lesotho Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili. Justice Nomngcongo said the publication, its editor and EPIC Printers were jointly convicted and ordered […]
Journalist covering protest manhandled by political party militants, his camera confiscated
(MISA/IFEX) – On 27 July 2008, “Public Eye” photographer Mohapi Moeketsi was manhandled by All Basotho Convention (ABC) party supporters in Rothe constituency. The party militants confiscated the journalist’s camera and shoved him about. The photographer had gone to Rothe to cover a protest by the ABC supporters, who were holding Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) […]
Privately-owned radio station suspended for “failure to cooperate with the authority”
(MISA/IFEX) – On 21 July 2008 the Lesotho Communications Authority (LCA) imposed a twelve-month suspension on Harvest FM for what it called “failure to cooperate with the authority.” LCA chairperson Metsing Mangoaela said the station would be suspended for twelve months, nine of which would be set aside if the station does not commit a […]
“Broadcast media under siege,” says MISA as government hikes licencing fees, harasses radio station and plans restrictive legislative amendment
(MISA/IFEX) – The Lesotho Communications Authority (LCA) has slapped broadcasters with a seven-fold license fee hike. The LCA sent invoices to radio stations with new licence fees, with a shocking US$3000 annual fee, up from US$400. The move has shocked the broadcasters, especially private media outlets, which have, since 2005, suffered from economic difficulties owing […]
Freedom of the Press 2007: Lesotho
Freedom of the Press 2007: Lesotho
Radio broadcaster facing charges read offending letter under threat of imminent death
(WPFC/IFEX) – The following is a 6 February 2008 WPFC press release: Upon the Recommendation of IPI, WPFC Makes Fund Against Censorship Grant to a Lesotho Journalist Facing the Death Penalty Reston, USA, February 6, 2008 – Upon the recommendation of the International Press Institute (IPI), the World Press Freedom Committee ( http://www.wpfc.org ) – […]
Journalist charged with additional criminal offences, faces possible death penalty for “high treason”
(IPI/IFEX) – The following is a 22 January 2008 IPI press release: IPI calls for all charges against Lesotho journalist Thabo Thakalekoala to be dropped Vienna, 22 January 2008 – The International Press Institute (IPI), the global network of editors, media executives and leading journalists in over 120 countries, calls for all charges against Lesotho […]
Weekly’s survival threatened by state advertising boycott ordered by government
(RSF/IFEX) – Reporters Without Borders has voiced concern about the survival of the privately-owned weekly “Public Eye” following an order from the government to all state and parastatal agencies at the start of June 2007 not to buy any more of its advertising space. “Allowing political and malicious considerations to determine where state advertisements and […]
“Public Eye” reporter harassed at rally
(MISA/IFEX) – On 24 June 2007, a “Public Eye” reporter, Kabelo Masoabi, was verbally attacked at the ruling Lesotho Congress for Democracy’s (LCD) rally in Makhaleng, Ha Ramabanta, in the Maseru district. Masoabi said he was verbally attacked by the LCD youth leadership on arrival at the rally. The minister of communications, Mothetjoa Metsing, apparently […]
Radio host freed on bail, charged with “failing to report subversive activity”
(RSF/IFEX) – Reporters Without Borders has called on the Lesothan authorities to drop all charges against radio host Thabo Thakalekoala of privately-owned Harvest FM, who was released on bail on 25 June 2007 after being held for three days for reading a letter on the air demanding the prime minister’s resignation. It was reportedly given […]
Journalist arrested on treason charges declares hunger strike pending trial
(MISA/IFEX) – On 22 June 2007, freelance journalist and Regional Chairperson of the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Thabo Thakalekoala was arrested by Lesotho mounted police officers shortly after completing his morning “Rise and Shine” radio broadcast on Harvest FM radio. The mounted police are a division of the criminal investigation department (CID). Thakalekoala’s […]
Previously-harassed journalist receives death threats; others threatened, harassed, accused of “causing confusion”
(MISA/IFEX) – On 13 February 2007, MISA confirmed that several journalists in Lesotho are being inundated with anonymous threatening calls, and accusations that they are at the forefront of a campaign to cause confusion in the country and within the ruling Lesotho Congress for Democracy (LCD). The targeted journalists, Thabo Thakalekoala and Adam Lekhoada of […]
Radio presenter threatened after interviewing political journalist banned from public broadcast media
(RSF/IFEX) – Reporters Without Borders has voiced concern about attempts to intimidate leading political journalist Thabo Thakalekoala, who was recently elected president of the regional press freedom organisation, the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA). Since he covered a split in the ruling party for several international media, he and his family have received daily […]