Amnesty International has condemned the arrest of a journalist in Lesotho calling it a ploy to intimidate the country’s media.
Broadcast journalist Candi Ramainoane was taken into custody on Friday.
Lesotho is currently experiencing political tensions following the assassination of the head of the army last week.
Ramainoane has been charged with defamation following his reports criticizing the current political situation.
The station where he works and manages was shut down earlier in the week.
Amnesty International believes the arrest aims to send a chilling message to other media owners and journalists of the consequences they face for scrutinising the government.
The advocacy group is calling for Ramainoane to be released immediately and for the media to be allowed to report on the matters affecting the mountain kingdom without fear or favour.
– By Noma Bolani
