Catherine Stihler, Scottish Labour MEP

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I am one of two Labour MEPs for Scotland.

I stand up for Scotland in Brussels and Strasbourg.

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Speech on Kenya

Mr President,

I am glad to have the opportunity to speak on this joint motion for a resolution on Press Freedom in Kenya .

A year ago, like many others I was dismayed and disappointed that after flawed presidential elections in Kenya , street demonstrations led to riots and ethnic clashes that spread across the country, killing more than 1,000 people and leaving another 350,000 homeless. Those responsible for the post-election violence a year ago must be brought to justice.

And a period of reconciliation and tolerance is now essential for Kenya .

In this context it is very bad news that on Friday, January 2nd 2009, President Kibaki signed the Kenya Communications (Amendment) Bill 2008 which amends the Kenya Communications Act of 1998.

This bill flies in the face of press freedom and disregards international conventions signed up to by the Kenyan government.

Two sections effectively introduce direct media censorship by the government.

Section 88 gives the Information Minister considerable powers to raid and dismantle broadcasting equipments from a media house that is deemed to be a threat to national security and Section 46 gives the state the power to regulate contents to be aired and published by both electronic and print media.

Within Kenya the bill has been opposed by journalists, by Prime Minister Odinga, and by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and its passing highlights a serious lack of consultation within the current Grand Coalition.

I regret the passing of this bill and urge that any revision of the media law takes account of the many reservations expressed.