Maseru, Aug 31—-The Arrest of Lesotho Times Editor Mohalenyane Phakela by the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Offences (DCEO) this weekend, has received a backlash from various organisations, fellow journalists and individuals.
Phakela was on Friday night arrested by the DCEO and his phone seized. According to the Lesotho Times newspaper, he was arrested for publishing a story which exposed allegations of corruption by the Commissioner Lesotho Correctional Service (LCS) Mating Nkakala. It is however alleged that the DCEO accuses him of impersonating a DCEO’s officer to get information.
Among the organisations which have voiced their displeasure about the arrest is CPJ Africa- Committee to Protect Journalists who described it as not just an attack on one journalist, but an attack on the right of every Mosotho to know the truth… SM/BM
