Botswana High Court Rules There Is No Right To Access Information Without Legislation menafn.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from menafn.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
On 24 May 2023, the Botswana High Court will hear arguments in a case brought by the Botswana Gazette after it was refused access by the Water Utilities Corporation (WUC) to a report on the water flow into the Gaborone Dam. The Botswana Gazette is represented by Tshiamo Rantao from Rantao Attorneys and supported by the Southern Africa Litigation Centre (SALC).
In its court papers, The Gazette argues that the refusal to provide access to the report is unreasonable and in violation of the right to freedom of expression, which includes the right to access information that is in the public interest.
A provision in the Corruption and Economic Crimes Act prohibited any disclosure of information relating to investigations. The newspaper launched an application seeking a declaration that the provision was unconstitutional because it violated the right to freedom of expression and should be struck down.