Written question asked by Baroness Brown of Silvertown (Labour) on Tuesday, 20 September 2022, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 22 September 2022. It was answered by Gillian Keegan (Conservative) on Thursday, 29 September 2022 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Mauritania: Freedom of Expression

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of the arrest of Moussa Sy in August 2022 on (a) freedom of the (i) press and (ii) expression and (b) anti-corruption work in Mauritania.

Answer: We are aware of media reports on Moussa Sy. The vital role of the media in providing people with reliable and accurate information must be protected. We deplore any attempt to restrict freedom of expression including the intimidation of journalists and interference in their ability to operate freely, as well as any legislation restricting the free expression of opinion. The UK has long supported media freedoms, both at home and in supporting the development of a strong and independent media in countries overseas. The UK opposes all attempts by any state to restrict press freedom, silence debate, abuse journalists, or spread misinformation.

Secondary information