HARARE Police have harassed and arrested more journalists in the first quarter of 2010 than they did the whole of last year, a media rights watchdog has said, highlighting how journalism in Zimbabwe remains a dangerous occupation despite ongoing moves to loosen state controls on the media. <
The Zimbabwe chapter of the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA-Zimbabwe) said it recorded 10 cases of harassment or detention of journalists between January and April this year compared to eight cases recorded in 2009. The statistics are shocking given that we are at a time when the country is expecting media reforms, MISA-Zimbabwe advocacy officer Thabani Moyo told The Zimbabwean on Sunday last week. Moyo added: What is also worrying is the fact that this is despite President Robert Mugabes condemnation of harassment and detention of journalists during his meeting with media editors in February (this year).
It is a disconnect between official pronouncements and the reality on the ground that vindicate sentiments that government statements are nothing but public posturing meant to dupe the world on the authorities sincerity in instituting genuine democratic reforms. Mugabe, whose Zanu (PF) party controls the police as well as the information ministry that oversees the media, used his meeting with the countrys senior editors to support calls for a free media environment in the country. Information Minister Webster Shamu has also called for a free press but has, however, done little to push for the amendment or repeal of the draconian Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA) that the government has used to restrict independent journalists and newspapers.
The newly established Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC) last week began accepting applications from journalists to be registered to work in the country. The ZMC that is part of several commissions set up by Zimbabwes unity government to drive reforms meant to re-shape and democratise the countrys politics also invited companies wishing to open newspapers in the country to apply for publishing licences. But human rights groups and media unions say the pace of media reform is too slow and that Zanu (PF) allies who control state institutions could still resort to AIPPA and a raft of state security and censorship laws to hold back or sabotage reforms.
Some of the cases of harassment of journalists that took place this year include the case of freelance journalist Stanley Kwenda who was forced to flee that country after allegedly receiving death threats from senior police officer. In other cases, top freelance photojournalist Andrison Manyere was arrested by the police three separate occasions for taking pictures of news events, while four journalists from The Standard newspaper group and one freelance reporter have been questioned by the police and summonsed to appear in court as state witnesses in a criminal defamation case.
Post published in: Politics