The temporary removal of the popular radio broadcast series Merundoi was an attack on freedom of expression and an infringement of the right of persons to access information, says APNU’s Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine.
Speaking at a press briefing, Roopnaraine opined that the initial removal of Merundoi and the recent cancellation of Christopher Ram and Raymond Gaskin’s “Keeping it honest” talk show were “serious infringements by the state of the constitutionally enshrined fundamental right of freedom of access to information and freedom of expression.” He admonished the management of the state owned National Communica-tions Network (NCN), while quoting from United Nations resolution 59 (I), which states that “Freedom of information is a fundamental human right and… the touchstone of all the freedoms to which the United Nations is consecrated.”
Merundoi’s broadcasts were suspended over a week ago for unknown reasons. However sources have informed Stabroek News that the decision was taken as a result of a storyline which dealt with voter education. The show resumed airing on Wednesday.
