A NEW defence bill before the Namibian parliament that aims to restrict media reporting on military activities is causing concern among journalists and human rights organisations. The draft legislation for the defence bill, which was introduced in the National Assembly on Tuesday by Defence Minister Erkki Nghimtina, deems it an offence to publish information which could endanger national security or the safety of members of the defence force. Kaitia Kandjii, Regional Information Coordinator of the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA), said the bill was in direct conflict with the right to freedom of expression and could face a constitutional challenge. The draft bill states that: “The reformulation … was deemed necessary as we realised that editors, proprietors and printers were not security conscious and that their actions can compromise the security of the country and safety of our members if not controlled.” – AFP