Daily Archives: August 18, 2012

Freedom of expression under siege in Parliament

As the civil society movement in Botswana we would like to express our unqualified disappointment at all members who have so far opposed the Freedom of Information Bill and those who voted in favour of the Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority Bill.

Whilst we express our disappointment we call on MPs to redeem themselves and rise to the defence of the Constitution of Botswana which protects, amongst others freedom of expression and the right to privacy at the next opportunity. In the same breath we request the MPs in future to play an effective role as a governance structure in Botswana to ensure that approval of legislation is for the benefit of this nation, selfless and for restoring the dignity of our people.

The Freedom of Information Bill, a progressive piece of legislation geared towards giving Batswana the right to access information has being shot down. The government mounted a spirited campaign against the Bill, labelling it 'mischievous'. Amongst reasons for the foregoing being that the phrase 'public interest' is not defined and could be open to any interpretation and further that the Bill requires sensitive documents such as minutes of Cabinet to be made public.

Efforts to explain that the phrase is generally understood and is similar to "public good" or "public benefit" did not bear any fruit. The fact that there are several exemptions to the disclosure or supply of information such as for, National security and defense, Legal professional privilege, Personal privilege, Trade secrets and business affairs, National economic issues was ignored by Parliament.

It is disappointing to note that instead of approaching the discussion on the Freedom of Information Bill with the view to improve on the current draft, the government resorted to searching for reasons why the bill should be trashed. Even when the mover of the motion noticed amendments to try and accommodate the views of government, the attack on the bill whilst without substance was condescending and unrelenting.

As the civil society movement we are disappointed that Parliament failed to assert itself as the defender of democracy in this country by voting in favour of the Freedom of Information Bill. We expected our MPs to vote selflessly and in a manner that is consistent and considerate to the interests of their constituents and the public benefit first.

It was also our expectation that Parliament would amend the BOCRA bill to return to the three tier system of broadcasting which was adopted by the government as articulated in various official policy and legislation including the Broadcasting Act of 1998.

This clear attempt to entrench government control of public media is undesirable and is a major regression to the gains made when Radio Botswana was licensed as a 'public service broadcaster'.The BOCRA Bill at clause 53 states in relation to electronic communication; "The Authority may, during any emergency, require any service provider to give priority to the transmission of the messages of government or of any person and to intercept messages transmitted under such circumstances". The Bill does not define the word 'emergency'. This is an area of grave concern, as in the manner it is drafted, the Bill does not accord with current best practice and leaves a lot of room for abuse.

As civil society we would like to echo the call for an oversight to this provision to safeguard it from possible abuse. The Intelligence and Security Act of 2007 provides a useful example as it requires the Director General under similar circumstances to approach "a senior magistrate or a judge of the High Court for a warrant". Unless such safeguards are put in place then the public has every reason to worry as to whether this is yet another attempt to infringe upon their freedom of expression and privacy.

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Freedom of expression under siege in Parliament

House Oversight Committee Chairman Darrell Issa, R-Calif., leads a hearing on Capitol Hill.

The Republican party may be ready to take a new position on Internet freedom, according to a document obtained by Whispers.

California Rep. Darrell Issa's proposal calls for the Republican party to take a stance on the Internet that limits the role of government and allows Americans to "participate where and how they choose on the Internet."

According to sources familiar with the Republican party platform process, the GOP has been increasingly discussing Internet freedom, and could be ready to officially roll out its stance later this month at the Republican convention.

[Photos:Online SOPAProtests]

Kirsten Kukowski, a spokesperson for the Republican National Committee, writes in an E-mail that Issa's is "one submission of many on the subject."

But don't expect another showdown between Issa, who favors a lighthanded approach to Internet legislation and Texas Rep. Lamar Smith, who introduced the controversial Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA), a bill that spurred widespread Internet blackouts and protests earlier this year.

Kim Smith, Lamar Smith's press secretary, tells Whispers that the Congressman "did not submit any language pertaining to the Internet for the GOP platform."

[Four ThingsAmericansHave Learned From the SOPAFight]

Sources familiar with ongoing discussions say they are "hopeful" that Issa's proposal will make it into the final party platform, and that "conversations that have occurred [on Internet freedom] have been well received" and that the Republicans hope "not to over-regulate the Internet."

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Leaked: The GOP's Proposed New Position On Internet Freedom

MADISON, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Freedom Group, Inc., the worlds leading designer and manufacturer of firearms, ammunition and related products, announces that it has released its second quarter fiscal 2012 financial results. A copy of the Companys Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2012 is posted on http://www.freedom-group.com in the investor information section.

Ron Kolka, the Companys Chief Financial Officer, will host a conference call on Tuesday, August 21, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. ET to discuss the financial results of the second quarter ended June 30, 2012, and answer questions from the investor audience. Interested parties may participate by dialing 1-888-505-4375 (U.S. and Canada) or 1-719-325-2281 (International), and providing the conference ID number: 9684811.

A telephonic replay will be available beginning at 2:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday, August 21, 2012, and will last through August 28, 2012. The replay may be accessed by dialing 1-877-870-5176 (U.S. and Canada) or 1-858-384-5517 (International) and providing the same conference ID number listed above.

About Freedom Group, Inc.

Freedom Group, Inc., headquartered in Madison, N.C., is the worlds leading innovator, designer, manufacturer, and marketer of firearms, ammunition, and related products for the hunting, shooting sports, law enforcement, and military markets. As one of the largest manufacturers in the world of firearms and ammunition, we have some of the most globally recognized brands including Remington, Bushmaster, DPMS/Panther Arms, Marlin, H&R, NEF, Dakota Arms, LC Smith, Parker, AAC, Barnes Bullets, EOTAC, INTC and Mountain Khaki.For more information download the Freedom Group Brochure, located on http://www.freedom-group.com.

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Freedom Group, Inc. Announces Second Quarter Fiscal 2012 Financial Results Conference Call