The United States is deeply concerned about increasing pressure on the media in Lesotho, particularly noting the July 9 shooting of Lesotho Times/Sunday Express Editor Lloyd Mutungamiri. Journalists in Lesotho have expressed concern for their safety in the current climate of harassment and intimidation.

We welcome the statement by the Minister of Communications, Science and Technology condemning the shooting and encourage the government to investigate it fully and hold those responsible to account. Freedom of expression is a constitutional right in Lesotho and journalists must be able to do their critically important jobs without fear of intimidation, harassment, and violence.