HC Deb 23 June 1954 vol 529 cc414-6
46. Mrs. White

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what prosecutions have recently taken place, or are pending, against newspaper editors or proprietors in Uganda and Zanzibar.

Mr. Lyttelton

In the past six months, four prosecutions have been brought in Uganda and one, which involved nine persons, in Zanzibar. The accused were convicted in all cases, except one in Uganda which is still sub judice.

Since the detailed information is rather long, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mrs. White

Would the right hon. Gentleman have placed in the Library the passages concerned, with translations, so that we may be in a better position to judge just what is meant by "sedition" in these cases?

Mr. Lyttelton

I do not think I can agree to that offhand. [HON. MEMBERS: "Why not."] Because it would involve discussion of decisions reached by the courts. I will consider the matter.

Mrs. White

It would not necessarily involve discussion, but it would give information to hon. Members of the House.

Following in the information:

Accused Offence Charged
UGANDA:
1. J. W. Kiwanuka of the "Uganda Express". Sedition.
2. Editor, Publisher and Printer of "Uganda Mail". Criminal libel.
3. Mukibi, editor of "Dobozi". Receiving stolen type.
Sali, editor of "Uganda Mirror". J
4. Ddamba, editor of "Uganda Express". Sedition.
No. 4 is still being heard.
ZANZIBAR:
Nine members of Arab Association Executive Committee responsible for publication of newspaper "A1 Falaq". 1. Publishing seditious publications.
2. Possession of seditious publications.
3. Breach of Newspaper Decree.

55. Mr. Fenner Brockway

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies on what grounds nine persons, described as members of a committee responsible for the policy of the newspaper "Al Falaq," have been arrested in Zanzibar.

Mr. Lyttelton

None of these people was arrested. I gave details of the charges on which they were prosecuted in my reply to the hon. Member for Flint, East (Mrs. White) today.

Mr. Brockway

Is it not a fact that 10 members of the committee of the Arab Association have been arrested, including two members of the Legislative Council? Is not this kind of action likely to increase antagonism in Zanzibar rather than to end it?

Mr. Lyttelton

No, Sir. In the first place, the hon. Gentleman repeats his error by saying that they were arrested. They were not arrested, they were charged with sedition. I have here extracts from some of the articles, which I will send to the hon. Gentleman and then he can judge for himself.

56. Mr. Fenner Brockway

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies on what grounds Mr. Appolinari Ddamba, acting editor of the "Uganda Express," has been arrested in Uganda.

Mr. Lyttelton

Mr. Ddamba has been charged with sedition and libel.

Mr. Brockway

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this newspaper has consistently appealed to Africans to refrain from violence and intimidation? In such circumstances, does the right hon. Gentleman think it desirable to arrest this African editor?

Mr. Lyttelton

This case is sub judice. I repeat that Mr. Ddamba has been charged with sedition and libel. The courts will determine whether he is guilty or not.