Three community radio journalists arrested, granted bail

Three journalist associated with the Zimbabwe Association of Community Radio Stations (ZACRAS) were arrested for allegedly violating the Broadcasting Services Act and the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA).

Emmy Maseko (Reporter), Paul Gundani and Howard Masaninga (Board Members) from Radio Kwelaz, an affiliate of ZACRAS, were arrested and taken in for questioning by police concerning the operations of their radio station.

Maseko was arrested while doing recordings with people about the election, while Gundani and Masaninga were summoned by officers from the law and order section, who demanded the registration documents of the company. Gundani and Masaninga were released after signing a recorded statement.

On Tuesday Maseko was granted $100 bail but faces charges of contravening AIPPA, while Gundani and Masaninga were also granted $100 bail each and will face charges of contravening the Broadcasting Services Act.

Maseko face up to six months in prison if convicted, while Gundani and Masaninga face 3 months each.

ZACRAS has condemned the arrests and called on the government to stop the persecution of journalists. – SW Radio Africa News

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