PEN SA Africa Pulse #18

PEN SA Africa Pulse is a weekly round-up of news concerning cases of freedom of expression and the freedom of the press in Africa.

Kenya seeks to restrict political commentary on social media ahead of elections

As the elections draw nearer in Kenya, the government has proposed social media guidelines meant to prevent the spread of inflammatory content and hate speech on messaging and social media platforms. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) said on 5 July “Kenyan authorities should ensure that proposed social media guidelines do not prevent journalists from reporting critically or close the space for public debate ahead of general elections due to take place August 8.”

Exhibiting Fuck White People artwork a constitutional right

The Equality Court has ruled that Dean Hutton’s ‘Fuck White People’ artwork displayed at the Iziko Museums of South Africa is an expression of art and did not contravene the country’s hate speech laws. The display of Dean Hutton’s creation ‘Fuck White People’ wall chair and golden boots in 2016, sparked widespread public debate and outrage. The Cape Party lodged a complaint against the museum in terms of the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act.
IOL

BLF and Sanef back in court for judgment

The judgment in a case between the South African National Editors Forum (Sanef) and Andile Mngxitama and Black First, Land First (BLF) will be heard on Friday, 7 July. The application was led by Sanef chairperson Mahlatse Gallens – who is also political editor at News24. Sanef appeared in court on Thursday to ask the court for an urgent interdict against BLF. Sanef has also called on the police to be more involved in ensuring the rights of journalists are protected.
News24, Eyewitness News