Tanzania government has de-registered Leo Tena newspaper and suspended the publication of Kulikoni newspaper for 90 days effectively from 11 January 2010. The draconian measure was announced by the Minister of Information, Sports and Culture Captain George Mkuchika in Dar es Salaam on 10 January 2010.The Minister claims that the newspapers were punished for violating journalism ethics. He also said Kulikoni violated National Security law by covering a story on the army. Leo Tena Newspaper is accused of violating the Penal Code through its publication of obscene materials. The newspaper is accused for publishing pornographic materials of nude lesbian women having sex.
The Minister also claims that in November 2009 Kulikoni newspaper published a story with headline Mdudu wa Wizi wa Mitihani Sasa Aingia Jeshini (Exam cheating germ enters the army). He said the article embarrassed the military and prompted the army to complain and when the register asked the editor to substantiate the truth, he gave the baseless explanations.
The law prohibits anyone who is not an army officer to comment anything on the army, he said. The suspension of Kulikoni newspaper comes about one month after its Publisher, Media Solutions decision to declare the paper and its sister English paper This Day to be published on weekly basis instead of daily. Kulikoni is one of the few newspapers which have persistently exposed and commented on graft in Tanzanian society without fear.
Quoted by Tanzania Daima Newspaper of 9 January 2010, Reginald Mengi, The IPP Chairman and Owner of Kulikoni said I am shocked, I have never seen any government fighting with the media especially during elections year. It is very sad move. This is to encourage misunderstanding and allow graft to continue. It is very sad. Tanzania is expected to hold its fourth multiparty general election in October 2010.
MISA-Tanzania has condemned the government action and urged the government to always make use of the Tanzania Media Council. MISA-Tanzania said Tanzania has a functioning Media Council where those who feel aggrieved by any publication can use the council as a remedy. MISA-Tanzania opposes any legislative attempt to regulate the conduct and practice of media practitioners. MISA’s position is that regulatory structures should be voluntary and free from government intervention and control as well as the control of media owners. The laws used to close and suspend newspapers should always be measured against constitutional provisions on media and freedom of expression.
Background
The closing and suspension of newspapers has become a problem in Tanzania. On 26 July 2001 the government of Tanzania banned nine Kiswahili local weekly magazines and suspended three tabloids for allegedly publishing indecent photographs that corrupt the society and thwart campaigns to combat HIV-AIDS in the country. The Kiswahili tabloids, which were suspended for six months were Cheko and Zungu while Kombora would serve a 12-month ban. The Kiswahili magazines closed by the government were Mama Huruma, Tafrani, Chachandu, Mizengwe, Maraha, Kula Vitu, Penzi Kikohozi, Uroda kwa Foleni, and Simulizi Kutoka Chumbani.
On 13 October 2008 the government suspended Mwanahalisi newspaper for 90 days for allegedly going against professional ethics and publication of news that have ill-intention of inciting public hatred against President Jakaya Kikwete and contribute to the misunderstanding within the Presidents family. The ban was raised after the paper has served for the stated period.
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