Human Rights Watch (HRW) has raised concerns over two new laws in Angola that could limit media freedom and suppress protests critical of the government.
Signed into law by President Joao Lourenco on August 29, the laws fail to meet international human rights standards, restricting freedoms of the media, expression, and association.
“The government’s adoption of two repressive laws portends serious challenges to the operation of media and civil society groups in Angola.”
“The authorities should retrace their steps and repeal these new laws to protect the space for free and open media in the country,” said Zenaida Machado, senior Africa researcher at Human Rights Watch.
The Bill on Crimes of Vandalism of Public Goods and Services imposes prison sentences of up to 25 years for protests resulting in vandalism or service disruptions, and up to 15 years for sharing information, such as photographs or drawings, related to public security measures.
This law broadly defines the recording of security measures for public infrastructure as a threat, and grants authorities the power to take unspecified “appropriate measures” to prevent damage. Local justice groups fear this will enable the prosecution of those organising anti-government protests.
The National Security Bill allows security forces to block radio broadcasts and cut telecommunications without a court order under undefined “exceptional circumstances.” It also mandates citizens to report potential threats to national security, with criminal penalties for non-compliance.
Human Rights Watch and opposition figures have condemned the laws as a major blow to media operations and civil society in Angola.