Unauthorized entry of Mass Media Complex

source: Republic of Botswana (10/8/09): TAUTONA TIMES no 20 of 2009
The Electronic Press Circular of the Office of the President
"Democracy, Development, Dignity and Discipline"


C1) 10/8/09: Unauthorized entry of Mass Media Complex

In the interest of avoiding false speculation, the Minister of Communications, Science and Technology wishes to inform the public that an incident took place yesterday afternoon in which about 15 individuals wearing what appeared to be the colours of a local political party came to the Mass Media Complex demanding to see BTV personnel.

The group claimed to be upset with the failure of BTV to cover a particular political event on the day. After forcing their way into the Complex without the authorization from gate security, the Police were alerted to the circumstance.

When the police arrived, however, the group had disappeared.

The incident is under further investigation.

The Minister wishes to register her concern about this reported incident. The Minister further notes that there are grievance procedures in place for aggrieved members of the public, more especially followers of political parties, to express their concerns about the services of the Departments of Information and Broadcasting. It should therefore not be necessary for people to take matters into their own hands in ways that are outside of the law.