‘Zanzibar new Media Law bill in final stages’

ZANZIBAR: MINISTER for Information, Youth, Culture and Sports, Ms Tabia Maulid Mwita, has stated that the process of enacting a new Media Law for Zanzibar is in its final stages.

She explained that the draft bill is currently under review by the Permanent Secretaries, after which it will go through the necessary procedures before being presented to the House of Representatives.

Responding to questions from the Members of the House of Representatives regarding the progress of the new law, the minister assured that the government has provided ample opportunity for media stakeholders to contribute to its development.

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However, she also acknowledged that the delay in finalising the law has been partly due to requests from stakeholders, including journalists, who have asked for amendments to ensure the law aligns with modern media trends.

On the issue of incendiary reporting ahead of the upcoming general elections, Minister Tabia emphasised that her ministry is fully prepared to take strict legal action against journalists who publish content inciting violence.

She warned that such reporting is an offence under Zanzibar’s Newspaper, Magazines and News Agency Registration Act No 5 of 1988.

“Any journalist found guilty of this offence will be prosecuted in accordance with the law,” she explained.

“The existing law is sufficient to regulate and hold journalists accountable for publishing inflammatory or false information, as it contains clear provisions on media offences and their penalties.”