Amnesty condemns shooting of Lesotho newspaper editor

By Hassan Isilow

JOHANNESBURG (AA) - Amnesty International has condemned the shooting of the editor of the Lesotho Times Newspaper Lloyd Mutungamiri, whose publication has reportedly been critical of the government.

The rights watchdog urged authorities in Lesotho on Monday to launch an investigation in order to bring those responsible to justice.

“His shooting is particularly disturbing because it comes amidst increased harassment and intimidation against the newspaper for its investigative journalism work,” Muleya Mwananyanda, Amnesty International’s deputy Director for Southern Africa said in a statement Monday.

Mutungamiri was shot and critically injured at midnight on Saturday as he arrived at his home in the capital Maseru. He was left in critical condition and is currently hospitalized.

According to local media, the shooting comes a few weeks after Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili, who accused it of being too critical of his administration.

Last month, Mutungamiri was picked up by police investigators after the publication ran a story that allegedly defamed the country’s commander of defense forces Tlali Kamoli.

“This attack has chilling implications for the independence of journalism, not just in the Lesotho Times newsroom, but for all journalists in the country,” said Muleya Mwananyanda said.

Lesotho government officials did not respond to Anadolu Agency’s requests for comment.