On the Arrest for Sedition in Botswana of Outsa Mokone

WASHINGTON, September 11, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Press Statement

Marie Harf

Deputy Department Spokesperson, Office of the Spokesperson

Washington, DC

September 10, 2014

The United States is deeply concerned by the arrest of newspaper editor Outsa Mokone by the Government of Botswana on charges of sedition relating to an article published by his newspaper The Sunday Standard. The United States strongly values freedom of the press, which is a key component of democratic governance. Freedom of expression and media freedom, both of which foster the exchange of ideas and facilitate transparency and accountability, are essential components for democracy. Outsa Mokone's arrest is inconsistent with these fundamental freedoms and at odds with Botswana's strong tradition of democratic governance.