MISA Mozambique has called on Parliament to take a more active role in monitoring press freedom and freedom of expression and to pressure the authorities to investigate and clarify cases of violations against journalists and the media. 

The demand was put forward by the executive director of MISA, Ernesto Nhanale, during a meeting this Thursday with the Commission of the

Social Affairs, Gender, Technologies and Social Communication of the Assembly of the Republic.

According to Nhanale, in addition to the protection of communication professionals, there is an urgent need for the approval of the Social Communication and Broadcasting Bill, adjusted to the sector's current challenges.

"We, as MISA Mozambique, understand that media regulation must be independent of the executive branch in order to guarantee a plural media environment free from political interference and we defend the fact that these instruments, including the Draft Radio Broadcasting Law, must include matters on the digitalization of the media."

Another point highlighted was the lack of clear policies following digital migration. According to the Executive Director of MISA Mozambique, the process has been completed, but gaps remain on

how to ensure that digitization benefits the right of access to information and protects the public interest.

For her part, the president of the 3rd Committee, Lucília Hama, was open to collaborating with MISA to improve the sector's legislation. "We recognize the importance of these proposals and recommend that all interested parties seek consensus with the proposer, so that the laws can be debated and approved by parliament."

The parties agreed to work together to ensure that the debates in Parliament respond to the current demands of the media sector, with an emphasis on protecting freedom of the press and freedom of expression. (Press release)