HAPA President Warns Against Rumors and Incitement: Freedom of Expression Comes With Responsibility

(Azzaman Info – Nouakchott):
The President of the High Authority for the Press and Audiovisual (HAPA), Mohamed Abdallah Lahbib, warned of the growing spread of content on social media containing rumors and incitement, noting that such trends depart from the principles and ethics of professional journalism. He said he has been closely monitoring this phenomenon in recent times.
He urged content creators, journalists, and bloggers to adhere to standards of accuracy and verification before publishing, especially on issues that could affect public calm and social cohesion, stressing that irresponsible speech can become a source of tension in the public sphere.
At the same time, the HAPA president reaffirmed that freedom of expression remains a fundamental right guaranteed to all and a cornerstone of any democratic society, provided it is exercised with professional awareness and respect for publishing ethics.