The Namibia Media Professional’s Union (Nampu) held a peaceful protest today at the offices of New Era, a daily newspaper owned by the Namibian Government.
The protest called on the management and board of the newspaper company to bring back to work its managing editor who was suspended more than a week ago.
Mr Johnathan Beukes was suspended on the day New Era published a news article and an editorial critical of the Namibian Judiciary.
“We are here today to express deepest concern with the suspension of Mr. Johnathan Beukes, the Managing Editor of New Era, which we view as a serious threat to the principles that underpin our democratic society,” said Ms Jemima Beukes, the acting secretary General of Nampu, as she read the petition in front of the newspaper’s head office in Windhoek.
“Nampu strongly condemns the suspension of Mr. Johnathan Beukes, an experienced journalist and Managing Editor, as it represents a blatant interference with press freedom, journalistic work, and his fundamental right as a Namibian to express himself, as protected by the Namibian Constitution.
“We demand the immediate reinstatement of Mr. Beukes, who has been suspended without any charges being brought against him. This suspension not only violates his rights but also undermines the very essence of a free and independent press in Namibia.
“Most importantly, we would like to remind New Era Newspaper leadership that you operate at the behest of the public and taxpayers.”
The petition also stated that Nampu stands firm in defending press freedom, upholding the rights of journalists, and safeguarding the public’s right to a free and independent media.
“We believe that freedom of the press is a cornerstone of our democracy and must be protected at all costs.
“We call upon all stakeholders, including the government, civil society, and the public, to join us in protecting these vital democratic principles. Let us unite in our commitment to upholding the rights of journalists and ensuring that press freedom continues to thrive in our great nation.”
The union also urged all those “who value democracy, transparency, and the role of the media in our society to stand with us in this important cause. Together, we can make a difference and preserve the fundamental values that make Namibia a beacon of democracy in our region.”
The union stated at the protest that “we expect Mr. Johnathan Beukes to be back at his desk by Wednesday, 11 October 2023; failure to do so would be regarded as a serious affront to press freedom and democratic principles by the President Hage Geingob.”
The protest at New Era’s head office was attended by close to ten journalists, while only two journalists turned up for the protest at the newspaper’s office in Ongwediva.
In the photo: Handing over the petition to New Era Publication Corporation board chairperson Dr John Sifani Chai.
