LETTER: The persecution of journalists in Zimbabwe must stop

Zimbabwe journalist Hopewell Chin' ono talks to the media following his release from prison in this Wednesday Sept. 3, 2020. Chin'ono walked out of Chikurubi Maximum Prison wearing his prison jersey when he was released on bail early September as a symbol that "yes, I might be out of Chikurubi but the current government has created a giant prison for all of us", he told The Associated Press. Human rights defenders say it appears the government is using restrictions imposed to combat COVID-19 to suppress political criticism. Opposition officials, human rights groups and some analysts accuse Mnangagwa of abusing the rights of critics, using tactics as harsh as his predecessor, the late Robert Mugabe. (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi)

Published Nov 6, 2022

In Zimbabwe freedom of speech is in intensive care and professional journalists who believe in truth are exposed to so many risks of persecution.

The persecution of journalists in Zimbabwe includes threats, kidnappings, arrests, imprisonment, harassment off-line and online, and blackmailing journalists.

Journalists are essential in preserving the fundamental right to freedom of expression, guaranteed by Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

When journalists are attacked with impunity, there is a breakdown in security and judicial systems for all. States therefore have an obligation to protect journalists and ensure perpetrators of crime are held accountable. Judges and prosecutors have an important role to play in promoting swift and effective criminal proceedings. The Zimbabwean president should stop all forms of persecution of journalists. If he cannot stop the persecution of journalists, he should be forced to resign.

I call upon the judiciary in Zimbabwe to stop victimisation of journalists like Hopewell Chin’ono by using selective laws. When Zimbabwean journalists expose corruption within President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government, they are enhancing the development of Zimbabwe.

* Joseph Jabangwe, London.

** The views expressed here are not necessarily those of Independent Media.

Cape Argus

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