CENSORING NEWS You do not need to be a prophet to see where this is going. The recent media coverage of attacks at Westgate Mall, Lamu, Mandera and Kapedo, among others, are obvious examples of how the media should not cover unfolding terrorist attacks, given the above-mentioned clause. Essentially, it ensures that the public only consumes terror-related news that conforms to the dictates of the National Police Service. Whereas this is contentious, it can be justified. Terrorists regularly commit heinous acts, but their intention is not in the act, but rather in the publicity surrounding it. The wider this act is broadcast, the more glory the so-called martyrs get, and the more disciples a terrorist can potentially recruit. What cannot be justified and is causing concern, however, is the real possibility that this clause can be abused. Given our history of good governance or lack thereof, it is not too far-fetched to imagine that other news not necessarily sensitive to national security could be potentially prohibited under this very clause. Media censorship can easily be reintroduced through the back door. The possibility of this happening may be seen as far-fetched, but other clauses in the proposed security Bill do little to dispel fears.,................. .......Via Anyanga Rashid
Posted on: Sun, 21 Dec 2014 19:34:24 +0000
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