Agents of the Directorate of Intelligence and Security Services detained journalists

Expression

In July 2023, it was reported that agents of the Directorate of Intelligence and Security Services (DISS) detained journalists Ryder Gabathuse and Innocent Selatlhwa. Both journalists were released Friday morning without charge, but authorities kept custody of mobile phones, iPads, and laptop computers seized during their arrests.

DISS was established under Khama’s leadership with broad powers to arrest, seize and detain without a warrant. Press freedom substantially declined under President Ian Khama, but the situation has improved since Mokgweetsi Masisi became president in 2018.

In a 2022 fact-finding visit by the International Press Institute, the organisation explained that while there is space for critical and independent media, “further reforms and improvements are needed in order to strengthen the environment for press freedom and to ensure that all media in the country are able to operate free of political and government interference.”