/ 17 February 2000

MORE RACISM SUBPOENAS FROM HRC

“YOU” magazine and community radio station 786 have been summonsed to appear before the SA Human Rights Commission to testify over alleged racism in the media. The editors of five newspapers, including the Mail & Gurdian, Die Burger, Cape Argus and Cape Times, have already been subpoenaed to appear before the commission in Johannesburg next month. The editor of You, Andries van Wyk, said he was taken aback by the subpoena. He said he wanted to discuss the matter with his superiors before making any further comments. Editors, accademics, media associations and opposition politicians have reacted with outrage to the subpoenas. Should they refuse to attend, the media officials can be jailed for up to six months or face hefty fines.