High Court lifts ban on ‘MwanaHalisi’
Mwanahalisi Publisher's Director, Sard Kubenea, showing to journalists a copy of Mwanahalisi newspaper during a press conference. PHOTO|FILE
What you need to know:
Justice Salvatory Bongole said in a judgment yesterday it was satisfied that Information, Culture and Sports minister Fenella Mukangara erred
Dar es Salaam. The High Court yesterday lifted an indefinite ban on a Kiswahili investigative newspaper, MwanaHalisi.
The paper was banned in July 2012 for allegedly threatening the national security.
Justice Salvatory Bongole said in a judgment yesterday it was satisfied that Information, Culture and Sports minister Fenella Mukangara breached procedures when banning the tabloid.
The newspaper was also accused of publishing articles likely to make citizens lose trust in their government.
The banning of the newspaper drew criticism internationally, with the government seen to be muzzling the press.
The judge said the minister did not accord the newspaper the right to be heard before the ban. MwanaHalisi counsel Rugemeleza Nshala said the court decision means the newspaper can resume publication.
“It is a great achievement not only to us but to all those who are advocating press freedom,” Dr Nshala said.
MwanaHalisi editor Jabir Idrissa said: “Justice has been done and MwanaHalisi has been granted all its prayers in the case.
“The court has done justice to us. This should be a lesson to all those who try to suppress the press freedom.” A manager for Hali Halisi Publisher, which publishes the paper, Mr Robert Katula, said they were preparing to resume publication soon.
