Research
New Digital Media: Freedom of Expression and Safeguarding Journalists in the Context of East Africa
Author:
Tonny Raymond Kirabira
University of Portsmouth Faculty of Business and Law, Richmond Building, Portland St, Portsmouth PO1 3DE, GB
About Tonny Raymond
LL.M. (Notre Dame), PhD Law Researcher, tonnyraymo@gmail.com
Abstract
Many East African states have developed restrictive legal and policy measures regarding the use of the internet. This has resulted in the declining state of media freedom and safety of journalists. This article addresses freedom of expression as a pre-condition for safeguarding journalists in selected East African countries of Tanzania and Burundi. It highlights notable cases, where the regional court has emphasized the importance of press freedom as a precursor for democracy. It concludes that the relevant regional legal framework offers adequate protection for the safety of journalists. However, countries have not fully implemented their obligations. In particular, press and cyber laws create a chilling effect on the treatment of journalists. The article contributes to a broader interrogation of how discourses about the safety of journalists are constructed and applied in the context of growing online activity.
How to Cite:
Kirabira TR, ‘New Digital Media: Freedom of Expression and Safeguarding Journalists in the Context of East Africa’ (2020) 2 Cross-cultural Human Rights Review 49 DOI: http://doi.org/10.52854/cchrr.39
Published on
30 Sep 2020.
Peer Reviewed
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