The Namibian risks press freedom legacy, lawyer warns

Human rights lawyer and former director of Free Press of Namibia, Norman Tjombe, has criticised alleged changes to employment and editorial practices at The Namibian, warning that they could undermine the newspaper’s long-standing commitment to press freedom.In a press statement issued this week, Tjombe argues that requiring journalists to resign from their union to qualify for promotion would violate their constitutional right to freedom of association.The Namibian has been accused of forcing one of its journalists to resign from the Namibia Media Professionals Union (Nampu) in exchange for a promotion and increased remuneration.Tjombe further raised concern over an alleged directive preventing journalists from reporting critically on big businesses because of fears that negative coverage could affect advertising revenue.He described The Namibian as an institution that historically “stood up” to political intimidation, exposed human rights abuses and held those in power accountable. Tjombe said allowing commercial interests to influence editorial coverage would represent “a tragic departure” from the newspaper’s founding ethos.“The way things are going, we will not recognise The Namibian newspaper. That is sad,” he said.-TUYEIMO HAUFIKU

The Namibian risks press freedom legacy, lawyer warns

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Namibian Sun 2026-09-18

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The Namibian risks press freedom legacy, lawyer warns

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Namibian Sun 2026-09-18

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