Minister of information and communication technology Peya Mushelenga maintains that he did not interfere with state-owned media publication New Era’s decision to suspend its managing editor, Johnathan Beukes.
Beukes was suspended about three weeks ago, allegedly without being informed of the charges against him.
Mushelenga and the ministry’s executive director, Audrin Mathe, are being accused of playing a role in the move.
The Namibian on 4 October reported that Mushelenga and Mathe were allegedly unhappy with reports run by New Era, which paints the government in a bad light.
Mathe at the time declined to comment, while Mushelenga did not answer phone calls or a text message sent to him.
Mushelenga on Thursday denied the accusations and labelled them as “deliberate, calculated fabrications”.
He said this at the government’s information centre.
A certain daily publication repeatedly keeps spreading “pure lies” despite the ministry setting the record straight, he said.
“I have always respected the state-owned government structures, and thus I do not interfere with the operations of state-owned enterprises.
“Misplaced obsessions to drag me into the New Era saga is baseless, and the malicious disinformation will never substitute the truth,” he said.
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
