Madagascar: Journalists frown at controversial media draft law

A controversial media draft law for Madagascar’s journalists has divided public opinion in the country.

Journalist in the country have spent time this week contesting some articles in the controversial draft law.

They complain that some of its provisions hinder freedom of expression and limit access to information.

The journalists are afraid of the legal implications of this media draft law.

Media professionals have also criticised the country’s communication ministry for lack of dialogue when the texts were being put together.

They are now calling upon UN officials in Madagascar to recommend dialogue between government officials and the media for the amelioration of the contested sections.

Madagascar’s press freedom improved from not free to partly free in 2015 due to a decline in direct pressure and censorship from highest levels of government, an independent watchdog organisation, Freedom House says.