Law Used to Silence Journalists | Johannesburg News

South Africa’s Protection from Harassment Act is being weaponized to silence journalists and activists, turning a law meant to shield victims into a tool for censorship. Powerful figures are now using courts to block reporting and investigative work, even prohibiting reporters from asking questions — a chilling reversal of the law’s original intent. This dangerous trend echoes warnings raised during parliamentary hearings in 2010, when experts cautioned that the law’s broad definition could easily trap legitimate journalism. With courts seemingly complicit, the balance between protection and free speech hangs in the balance — and the consequences for transparency and accountability could be severe. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Sources:https://www.citizen.co.za/news/opinion/harassment-law-weaponised-to-gag-journalists-and-activists/ More coverage & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/ba286e93fce7fb36 Report issues to [email protected].