Africa-Press – Seychelles. “Freedom of the press is regressing in our country today”
“On the occasion of Freedom of Expression Day, which was held yesterday on May 3, United Seychelles wants to remind once again that freedom of the press is the foundation of democracy and justice.
“The press is the 4th pillar of our democracy, so it needs to be handled with great responsibility. It is unfortunate, however, that the press, especially social media, which could have brought much more harmony and knowledge to our community and our country, is now being used for disinformation with the purpose of slandering citizens.
“The United Seychelles also notes that it is unfortunate that the official media, especially those funded by the state, are still in a mindset where they see their role as government spokespersons. Our Constitution places an obligation on the media funded by the government to seek different points of view on issues that affect the population.
“It is very unfortunate, however, that this is not being done today.
“The government should have stepped forward to protect the freedom of the press, but today we see a government that is suppressing the freedom of the press, for example, journalists who have been banned from attending the State House press conference and political parties who have had their right to hold a press conference.
“Freedom of the press is regressing in our country today.
“We are very sad then, that on the international index for freedom of the press, Seychelles has dropped from 13th to 34th. We hope that the government will take this development seriously with the aim of making Seychelles regain the respect it had for the freedom of the press.”
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