I have always wondered where we should draw the line between press freedom and the constitutional rights of individuals.

I have always wondered where we should draw the line between press freedom and the constitutional rights of individuals.

What I don't understand is the outcry by the media and political analysts that arresting a journalist is a threat to democracy. Is our democracy now measured only by press freedom?

Press freedom is not under threat. This is democracy at its best.

No one is above the law. The same media wrote articles when Nelson Mandela was called to court as was Tony Yengeni and Jacob Zuma. At that time we praised the strength of our democracy and the independence of our courts.

The charges against the Sunday Times duo are for theft and violating the Medicines Act.

The newspaper used privileged information.

Let the case be tested in court. We should have the same faith in our courts as we do when other prominent people are tried.

A threat to our democracy will come when the media disregards the laws of the country without consequence.

Our media needs serious introspection and should guard against abusing the freedom that was bestowed on it after the first democratic election.

If there's anyone that will take press freedom away from the media, it will be the media itself.

Charles MokoenaJohannesburg