Predation of press freedom in Madagascar

“Measures will be taken against newspapers, TV and radio stations deliberately publishing and broadcasting false information likely to trouble public order “. The holders of the truth in Madagascar are, in the present situation, supposed to be the HAT, the armed forces and the minister of Communication in charge of managing the presidency´s communication department. The slightest jaywalking is an offense against public order. 

“By the beginning of the year 2012 during which elections expected for several months would potentially take place, we are calling upon the ruling power – first and foremost the ministry of Communication – to respect the critiques and commentaries while refraining from issuing warnings and threats to restore censorship “, REPORTERS WITHOUT BORDERS dixit. 

“In this same time, for recalling the year 2009´s violence in which the press played a significant role, Reporters without borders calls upon media groups to display evidence of professionalism, to keep away from fuelling tensions, to promote talks and peaceful stands “. 

Propaganda duty at his Majesty´s service  

Do wave goodbye to press freedom as long as Rajoelina rules the transition and possibly his 4th republic. Following the example of a promised democracy turned into dictatorship, press freedom is just as so fictional. Somehow it is in no way surprising, regarding the unconstitutional action which led to the putsch three years ago. 

The HAT´s led harassment of media groups and individuals daring to criticize the presidency and the army has one main incentive, namely mastering whoever unwilling to play according to the rules dictated by his master´s minister in charge of communication and state propaganda.   

Will it be necessary to call his master “his Majesty” and to bow as were he the king of Thailand? Whatever critique against the royal family and His Majesty is an offense, nearly a crime. The inappropriate retaliation from the transitional leadership clearly displayed one thing: the fragility of a structure merely based on propaganda and cult of personality. 

After 3 years spent ruling a whole nation in complete chaos, what a hard task it is to recover an image of an outstandingly smart and angel like boy in no way comparable to these wicked politicians who arguably did their best to foil his perfect plans. 

TV PLUS, the black sheep of the family,   

Yes, the transitional leader and his family have the right to go on holidays. No, he who claims to be a chief of state, can no more claim to be a simple citizen. Yes, Madagascans are entitled to know where is the one so much longing to become their leader. 

There is strictly nothing to reproach the TV PLUS channel´s analysis, investigation and report. They are made even more legitimate by the threats, repression and call for accounts issued by the HAT´s presidency. And yet, the TV PLUS did what it takes to alleviate its report´s effects in order to dodge state wrath. 

Submitting the whole channel and his editor-in-chief is actually the real stake, and by the same way bringing whatever attempt to illuminate the public conscience in face of the ruling power´s truth. 

Had Onitiana Realy ever apologize because her reporters objectively criticized the mystery surrounding the ruling power´s leader´s vacations, deterrents and censorship would have triumphed. The INVITE DU ZOMA program´s host materializes to a certain extend the local icon of press impertinence required by every thirst of democracy. She did not apologize and said loud, that she would not intend to do so