The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Lesotho Chapter has joined the growing chorus of discontent at the Lesotho Communications Authority’s (LCA) proposed promulgation of Internet Broadcasting Regulations.
The objective of the rules, among others, is to regulate internet broadcasting distributed over the internet. They describe internet broadcasting as internet posts accessible to at least 100 internet users in Lesotho, whether individually or in a series; and internet posts by users who have more than 100 followers in Lesotho. The rules further prescribe certain penalties in the event of any violation.
MISA-Lesotho yesterday condemned the proposed rules which it said impinge on the right to freedom of expression and freedom of the media.
“MISA-Lesotho firmly holds the view that any promulgation of rule, formulation of policies and enactment of laws geared towards some of the maladies, malfeasance as well as deviation of the set norms has to be done in the spirit of bringing a state of normalcy and balancing the forces between enjoyments of rights and freedoms by consumers,” the organisation said in a statement.