Press freedom stifled in Zimbabwe

THE EDITOR, Madam:

I am devastated that Zimbabwe's hostile political environment severely restricts press freedom and the ability of journalists to report independently.

In Zimbabwe, there is no press freedom with journalists being intimidated and imprisoned. Journalists have been threatened and assaulted, with some in exile or facing long-term detention. 

Many journalists avoid reporting sensitive topics, particularly those covering corruption, economy, political challenges opposition activities, human rights, high-ranking government officials’ bribery corruption exposed, criticism of President Mnangagwa or the ruling Zanu-PF party is considered highly risky. 

Even newspaper editors have faced arrest and interrogation on charges of "undermining the authority of the President" to avoid jail.   

Journalists and reporters are subjected to surveillance, harassment, face monitoring, and threats, jail, detention leading many to practise self-censorship to avoid detention and threats from state agents, CIO, CID, police, and ruling party activists and soldiers who they call to teargas and brutally beat civilians, reporters and journalists.

Journalists/reporters who were arrested, detained, tortured, harassed, beaten, jailed, in exile or abundance and have not been seen, to name a few - Blessing Mhlanga, Itayi Dzamara, Gideon Madzikatidze, Pellagia Mupurwa, Panashe Makufa, Nunurai Jena, Beatific Ngumbwanda, Tatenda Julius, Kudzanai Musengi, Dunmore Mundai, Godwin Mangudya, Gadaffi Wells, Munhende Munashe, Adrian Chokodza, Mark Chavunduka, Anna Chibhamu and Lucy Yasini. They were either making documentaries, taking pictures of footage or reporting demolition of vendors stalls, elections, rallies or economic issue, mass corruption of high ranking government officials, shortages of water, electricity in the country, critical government issues

The Zimbabwe government should be called on to allow press freedom and journalism, as it brings reliable information, accountability, dialogue, and trust, key to peace, economic recovery, and human rights and freedom of expression. 

The world should call on the Zimbabwean government to let journalists work freely instead of detention and intimidation. 

The world should not remain silent about bad things happening in Zimbabwe but voice their concern and expose the mismanagement of the country by President Mnangagwa’s government.

MAUD BVUMBE

Human Rights Activist