https://www.polity.org.za
Deepening Democracy through Access to Information
Home / Statements RSS ← Back
Close

Email this article

separate emails by commas, maximum limit of 4 addresses

Sponsored by

Close

Article Enquiry

R2K: R2K statement on the SABC Parliamentary office break-in

Close

Embed Video

R2K: R2K statement on the SABC Parliamentary office break-in

R2K: R2K statement on the SABC Parliamentary office break-in
Photo by GovtZA

24th April 2017

ARTICLE ENQUIRY      SAVE THIS ARTICLE      EMAIL THIS ARTICLE

Font size: -+

/ MEDIA STATEMENT / The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

The Right2Know Campaign views the recent break-in at the SABC's office in Parliament as an attack on the public broadcaster and on Parliament itself.

We are particularly concerned that journalists' computers were targeted in the break-in, suggesting the possibility that those behind the crime were after a sensitive or personal information that is on the journalists' computers.

We note that this incident has happened in a context where there is a broader pattern of harassment and targeting of SABC workers, as well as previously unexplained break-ins where laptops and other devices containing sensitive information were stolen. This includes the recent theft of computers at the offices of the Chief Justice, as well as prior break-ins at the homes and offices of dissidents unionists, progressive academics and students associated with protest movements. In light of this, there is a very real possibility that the break-in at the SABC offices is part of a deliberate campaign aimed to intimidate and to interfere with the free flow of information.

The issue of security at Parliament must also be addressed. R2K has consistently raised concerns about the increased, heavy-handed security measures introduced to Parliament since 2014, as a direct response to the political climate within the legislature. These security measures have made it more difficult for ordinary members of the public to access Parliament, and at times have hampered media freedom within Parliament. The ongoing and invasive 'security vetting' of Parliament's civilian staff has also led to concerns of intimidation and targeting of whistleblowers. In other words, these security measures have made Parliament less transparent and open, but have not stopped genuine security breaches such as this one.

In light of this, we call on the SAPS and Parliamentary security to conduct a thorough investigation into this burglary and bring the criminals responsible to book. We further call on members of Parliament to review Parliament's controversial security measures.

 

Advertisement

Issued by Right2Know Campaign

To watch Creamer Media's latest video reports, click here
 
Advertisement

EMAIL THIS ARTICLE      SAVE THIS ARTICLE ARTICLE ENQUIRY

To subscribe email subscriptions@creamermedia.co.za or click here
To advertise email advertising@creamermedia.co.za or click here

Comment Guidelines

 

About

Polity.org.za is a product of Creamer Media.
www.creamermedia.co.za

Other Creamer Media Products include:
Engineering News
Mining Weekly
Research Channel Africa

Read more

Subscriptions

We offer a variety of subscriptions to our Magazine, Website, PDF Reports and our photo library.

Subscriptions are available via the Creamer Media Store.

View store

Advertise

Advertising on Polity.org.za is an effective way to build and consolidate a company's profile among clients and prospective clients. Email advertising@creamermedia.co.za

View options
Free daily email newsletter Register Now