In an interview
earlier this week, Mr. Afif told our newspaper that he believed it to be “a
political decision” and described the situation as “a big blow to democracy and
press freedom”. Mr. Niyungeko said that the EAJA considers the discontinuation
of Mr Afif’s participation as “an attempt to limit access to information” and
condemns “any pressure that may have led to it”. Also on the website was a
quote from the Association of Media Practitioners (AMPS) which expressed its
disappointment over the dismissal of Mr Afif. AMPS remarked that the move
“would intimidate local journalists and stifle the growth of a free and
independent press in the country”.
The EAJA stressed that the establishment of private media
houses in Seychelles in recent years has been a positive development. “However,
this new development is viewed as a roll-back on the recent opening up of media
freedom and liberalization of the local media” in Seychelles, it added. Social
media was also abuzz with indignation and there is speculation that Facebook
users and fans of the radio show intend to create a petition to signal their
opposition to the decision.
Source:Today
