Radio Morena is a private commercial FM radio station located in Benguela province (AFP 14 Jan. 1999; IFEX 12 July 1999; MISA 8 July 1999; RSF 2000). managing director, Jose Cabral Sande and director Jose Manuel Alberto were reportedly arrested in January 1999 for re-broadcasting a news programme from Radio Televisao Portuguesa featuring an interview with the Secretary General of UNITA (MISA 8 July 2001.). Charged with "disobedience and offenses against the head of state, "the journalists were reportedly released the following day for lack of evidence" (ibid., IFEX 12 July 1999).

A 31 January 2001 Integrated Regional Information Network (IRIN) report, stated that Jose Manuel Alberto had been dismissed for alleged "excessive transparency...the report to replace Alberto was signed by MPLA secretary-general, Joao Lourenco, as well as Benguela's provincial government" (ibid.).

Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) is the governing party whereas the National Union for the Total Liberation of Angola (UNITA) is a guerrilla movement fighting to overthrow the government of Angola.

Information on whether Radio Morena has a phone-in talk show programme and the names of its hosts could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate.

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

Agence France Presse (AFP). 14 January 1999. "Two Angolan Journalists Charged with Defamation Freed on Bail." (NEXIS)

Integrated Regional Information Network (IRIN). 31 January 2001. "Angola: Radio Director Sacked for Alleged "Excessive Transparency." http://www/reliefweb.i...ntrystories/angola/20010131a.phtml [Accessed: 25 June 2001]

The International Freedom of Expression Exchange (IFEX). 12 July 1999. "Increasing Repression of the Media in Angola." (NEXIS)

Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA). 8 July 1999. "Angola: Dear Friends and Colleagues." (NEXIS)

Rapporteurs sans frontières (RSP). 2000 Annual Report. "Angola." http://www/rsf/frilrap2000/afrique/angola.html [Accessed 25 June 2001]

Africa Confidential.

Africa Research Bulletin.

Amnesty International. Annual Report 2000.

Keesing's Record of World Events.

Resource Centre. Country file. Angola.

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