Editors’ Council expresses concern over military interference into media offices

The Editors’ Council has expressed deep concern over what it described as state negligence in ensuring the safety of journalists and media institutions, even under the interim government, warning that such behavior by state agencies has become more evident ahead of the upcoming election.

In a statement on Monday, the Council cited the entry of military personnel into the office of a registered digital media outlet on Saturday (7 Feb) as a “disturbing example.”

The Editors’ Council said that if there were any deviations or irregularities in the editorial practices of the concerned media organisation, the appropriate course of action should have been to take legal measures in accordance with the law, rather than allowing security forces to intervene directly.

The statement noted that over the past 18 months, both the government and the army chief have spoken of efforts to restore the damaged image of state security agencies resulting from practices during the previous regime.

However, incidents involving media outlets ahead of the election, the council warned, are sending a negative message to both voters and journalists.

The council further observed that in some cases, digital and multimedia journalism has operated in an environment lacking accountability, allowing certain unrecognized outlets to spread misinformation, which is undermining the overall atmosphere for a free and fair election.

In this context, the Editors’ Council called on the government, security forces, and all media professionals to act responsibly from their respective positions in order to facilitate a democratic transition.