Media Freedom | Journalists, whistleblowers under threat

JOHANNESBURG - Campaign for Freedom of Expression’s Anton Harber says the harassment of journalists and whistle-blowers seems to be on the rise.

Harber says organised crime is impeding the work of journalists and needs to be addressed.

His remarks come after former President Jacob Zuma's bid to privately prosecute journalist Karyn Maughan and prosecutor Billy Downer was rejected.

WATCH | Zuma private prosecution bid rejected

Zuma had accused Downer of leaking his medical records to Maughan.

"The climate of organised crime and lawlessness is increasingly impinging and threatening the work of journalists," said Harber.

Meanwhile, Media Monitoring Africa’s Thandi Smith says the judgment is a victory for media practitioners.

She said: "I think it was an overwhelming victory for media freedom but we shouldn't have been arguing the case in the first place. It should never have been brought forward."