South Africa: Dismissal of eight journalists a cynical and sinister ploy to entrench fear

In response to the decision by South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) to dismiss eight journalists on grounds that they challenged editorial policy, Amnesty International's Deputy Director for Southern Africa, Muleya Mwananyanda said: 

 

“The dismissal is a cynical and sinister decision designed to entrench a climate of fear at the institution.

 

“Their dismissal will only serve to undermine journalistic and media freedoms at the SABC. The eight journalists must be re-instated immediately. South Africa’s media freedom was hard won and it shouldn’t be gambled with.”