The news in brief
A Black Wednesday statement addresses harassment and legal pressure. It does not claim a new survey of how often these occur.
In a statement marking Black Wednesday, the SAHRC called for the protection of media freedom alongside responsible journalism. The statement was published after the commemoration date and discussed harassment of, and pressures on, journalists (SAHRC calls for protection of media freedom).
Freedom of expression is protected by the Constitution, with its own scope and limits. The Commission's appeal is an institutional position. It does not mean that every disputed publication is protected in the same way, or that any particular lawsuit has been decided (Constitution of the Republic of South Africa SAHRC calls for protection of media freedom).
No new rate of attacks or harassment can be inferred from this statement. Its documentary value is the Commission's account of threats to reporting and its call for accountability, which can be followed against later investigations and decisions (SAHRC calls for protection of media freedom).
Going further
This news item is part of a broader topic, which our page South Africa: marriage, divorce, inheritance and abortion covers in detail.
Read the page: South Africa: marriage, divorce, inheritance and abortion