Attack on freedom of speech: Legal action to follow if Solidarity banner is not restored immediately

Solidarity expects the City of Johannesburg to restore its paid advertising banner on the M1 highway in the city with immediate effect, should the city council wish to avoid legal action over its removal.

As part of its legal notice to the city council, Solidarity is demanding a written explanation of the reasons for the removal and the identification of the officials responsible for it.

Solidarity regards this removal of private property as an illegal action by the city council, and argues in the letter that it amounts to censorship and that its removal occurred simply because it s message challenged government policy – something that is inexcusable in a democratic system.

Anton van der Bijl, Solidarity’s deputy chief executive, says Solidarity had the advertising material erected by a recognised advertising company. 

“The banner’s removal demonstrates a willingness by the government to use state power to silence public voices that disagree with it. With the G20 Summit in Johannesburg just around the corner, it is clear to us that this action is politically motivated.

“Freedom of speech is being attacked to cover up inconvenient truths that have come to light. Moreover, it is being done in an illegal manner,” says Van der Bijl.

In the notice, Solidarity demands the following from the City of Johannesburg:

• •    The immediate re-erection of the banner.
• •    A written explanation of why and by whom the removal was done.
• •    To cease any further interference with Solidarity campaign material.
• •    Compensation for the production and installation of the campaign material.
• •    A written apology for the city council’s actions.

Click here for the legal notice.