Tanzania Communications Watchdog Bans Three Media Houses Over Cartoon Publication
Following the publication of an animation that was perceived to be disparaging of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, three of Tanzania’s most prominent newspapers have been prohibited from publishing their online versions.
Mwananchi Communications Ltd., a Nation Media Group Plc subsidiary, had its online media licenses suspended by the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority because it had published content that “threatens and is likely to affect and harm national unity and social peace.”
The Citizen released a little over a minute-long video on social media to draw attention to the rising number of kidnappings and disappearances occurring throughout the nation.
Newsng understands that the footage came after the discovery of an opposition official’s body in Dar es Salaam in September, which fuelled worries of targeted violence.
The persona could be seen in the video flitting between many TV channels, each with someone lamenting the death, kidnapping, or disappearance of a family member.
The character seems perturbed by all the criticisms at the conclusion.
Although The Citizen later withdrew the video and provided a statement explaining how it had been misconstrued, the suspension continued.
“Our decision to take down the animation stems from the misinterpretation it has generated, which diverges from our original intent,” it said in a statement.
Mwananchi Communications has said that it will comply with the ban.
The media outlet added that it would work with the authorities to find a solution while reassuring its readers that it would still provide them with its daily print editions.
Despite previous reforms under President Samia Suluhu Hassan, the Tanzanian government has been chastised for restricting journalistic freedoms.
We earlier reported that Officials in Ukraine stated that government agencies, the military, and vital infrastructure will be barred from using the Telegram social media app due to national security concerns.
