{The United States said on Sunday it is “concerned” about the move by Tanzanian government to ban circulation of The EastAfrican.}<\/p>\n
“A free and open press is essential to the development of democracy and a free and vibrant society,” a State Department official said.<\/p>\n
The US called upon the Tanzanian government “to make every effort to improve freedom of the press in Tanzania.”<\/p>\n
“We also stress the need for the Tanzanian government to continue its work towards passage and implementation of the Media Services and the Right to Information Bills,” the official added.<\/p>\n
The official said the two legislations should recognise the rights to freedoms of expression and opinion and as well as importance of a free press.<\/p>\n
UNDEMOCRATIC<\/p>\n
Tanzanian authorities said in a letter dated January 23 that the action was being taken because the 20-year-old paper \u201chas been circulating in the country without being properly registered, contrary to section 6 of the Newspaper Act number 3 of 1976.”<\/p>\n
Nation Media Group chairman Wilfred Kiboro protested the move as “unfair and undemocratic.”<\/p>\n
Prior to the ban notice, Tanzania Director of Information Services Assah Mwambene had summoned Dar bureau chief Christopher Kidanka and told him the newspaper endorsed a “negative agenda against Tanzania”.<\/p>\n
Mr Mwambene was also said to have criticised the paper’s reporting and analysis, including its opinion articles, and its publication of a satirical cartoon depicting President Jakaya Kikwete.<\/p>\n
The US statement on Sunday said Washington agreed with concerns raised by the European Union on the ban.<\/p>\n
{{Source: Nation Media\/Kenya}}<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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