THE KINGDOM OF LESOTHO COMBINED SECOND TO EIGHTH PERIODIC REPORT UNDER THE AFRICAN
CHARTER ON HUMAN AND PEOPLES’ RIGHTS AND INITIAL REPORT UNDER THE PROTOCOL TO THE
AFRICAN CHARTER ON THE RIGHTS OF WOMEN IN AFRICA
Sedition Proclamation No. 4 of 1938: section 4 of the Act prohibits uttering of
seditious words. This section was used in the case of R v Billy Macaefa (C of A
(CRI) No. 9/2008) [2008] LSCA 21 (17 October 2008) in which a leader of a workers
union was charged with sedition in that he was inciting hatred towards the
government of Lesotho during a speech at the union’s rally.
The Internal Security (General) Act No. 24 of 1984, Official Secrets Act of 1967,
Obscene Publications Proclamation 1912 and Printing and Publications Act No
10 of 1967 also limit the right to freedom of expression.
85. Due to political instability, Lesotho has experienced instances in which the right to receive
information has been violated. For instance, on 30 August 2014, all local radio stations
(private and public) were cut off air, allegedly by the military, for about five hours during
what has been classified as an attempted coup. In a spate instance, a newspaper editor
was shot and in other cases editors have been assaulted and or threatened. This
challenge has been addressed by investigation and arrest of suspects who have been
remanded on bail and the trial is yet to take place.
86. Because there is only one television channel in Lesotho, there is a perceived selective
coverage of events relating to the ruling political party to the exclusion of opposition
parties. The government is however taking all measures, especially during political rallies
and elections campaigns to ensure that all political parties and independent candidates
who stand for elections are given equal time on national television.
ARTICLES 10 AND 11: FREEDOM OF ASSOCIATION AND ASSEMBLY
Constitutional measures
87. The Constitution entrenches the freedom of association and assembly under sections 15
and 16 respectively. It permits association with other persons for ideological, religious,
political economic, labour, social, cultural and recreational purposes. However, sections
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