MCT, LHRC, let THRDC EACJ court case against the Law of Social Media

Media Council of Tanzania (MCT), the Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC) and the Network of Human Rights Tanzania (THRDC) today Wednesday 11 January 2017 have filed a case by the New Law of Social Media number 12 2016 in the East African Court of Justice (EACJ).

Speaking to journalists after opening the case, the Executive Secretary MCT, Kajubi Mukajanga said members who filed the lawsuit want some legal provisions vinavyokandamiza freedom of information and expression should be abolished because they violate the requirements of the contract of the East African Community (EAC).

And that EACJ court is empowered to interpret the treaty and to ensure member states follow and manage.

"These provisions of the law vinakandamiza freedom of the press and of expression, should be abolished because they violate the requirements of the contract EAC who want member states to uphold and preserve the rights that are spelled out in the agreement on Article 6 (d) and 7 (2)," he said.

He said that Article 6 (d) the contract EAC encourages the importance of compliance with the principles of good governance, democracy, justice, accountability, transparency and justice for all, including gender equality, protect and respect human rights.

"As to Article 8 (1) (c), Tanzania should take steps to ensure all the rights set out in the agreement are followed and implemented," he said.

LHRC Executive Director, Helen Kijo-Bisimba said some of the legal provisions that violate human rights and that they have participated so by opening the case law of Media Services.

"The law laying Otherwise, we have seen fellow unite and resist this law," he said.

Director THRDC, Onesimus Olengurumwa said the law should be changed especially in repressive provisions before commencement.

"There yatakayowaweka environment vulnerable to journalism, is mounted by this law should not be used until replaced."