A trade union for reporters as a counterweight to abuses against press freedom

Malagasy reporters gathered in the Sainte Famille College facilities in Antananarivo on January 07th, decided to erect their own trade union as a response to the ruling power´s abuses. Rocco Rasoanaivo, from the La Gazette de la Grande Ile newsgroup, was elected as president. The move was basically spurred by various forms of pressure against the press world, namely a warning letter to the TV PLUS channel, a forced call in to the state police station for the editor in chief of the LE COURRIER DE MADAGASCAR newsgroup, a statement from the army hinting threats against reporters and the imposition of an Ethics Commission by the HAT´s minister Harry Rahajason. This trade union is deemed to capitalize the united and organized reaction from Malagasy reporters unable to rely on their paralyzed Order.