Zimbabwe
2002
U.S. journalist acquitted but ordered to leave country[Read the July, 2002, Special Report on Zimbabwe, “On a Rampage.”]
New York, July 15, 2002—Andrew Meldrum, the Zimbabwe correspondent for the British Guardian newspaper, was today acquitted of “publishing false information” and “abusing journalistic privileges.” However, Meldrum, the first journalist to be tried under Zimbabwe’s repressive new media laws, was ordered to leave the country within 24 hours. Meldrum, a U.S. citizen who has been…
Zimbabwe Special Report: On a Rampage
New York, July 11, 2002–Tomorrow, Andrew Meldrum, a U.S. citizen and the Zimbabwe correspondent for the London-based Guardian newspaper, will go to trial on charges of “abusing journalistic privileges” and “publishing false information.” On July 22, his colleagues at Zimbabwe’s independent Daily News, reporter Lloyd Mudiwa, editor-in-chief Geoff Nyarota, and staff writer Collin Chiwanza, will…
Zimbabwe Chart
Zimbabwean journalists arrested and charged since Mugabe’s re-election on March 15 Name Date of arrest Charges Action Article or issue leading to charges Peta Thornycroft Mail and Guardian (South Africa); Daily Telegraph (UK) March 27 Public Order and Security Act (POSA) Released without charge, March 31 Investigating reports that supporters of the ruling ZANU-PF party…
Government imposes harsh licensing fees on journalists
New York, June 19, 2002—The Zimbabwean government has announced restrictive new licensing fees for journalists and media organizations. The announcement comes after the March passage of the contentious Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, under which Andrew Meldrum, a U.S. citizen and the Zimbabwe correspondent for the London-based Guardian, is currently being tried…
Foreign correspondent on trial, risks two years in jail
New York, June 11, 2002—The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) condemns the upcoming trial of Andrew Meldrum, a U.S. journalist based in the Zimbabwean capital, Harare, on charges of “abusing journalistic privilege” and publishing “false information.” Meldrum, who writes for the London Guardian, The Economist, and contributes to Radio France Internationale, is due to appear…
Arrests of journalists continue
New York, May 22, 2002—Geoff Nyarota, editor-in-chief of Zimbabwe’s Daily News and a 2001 CPJ International Press Freedom Award winner, was arrested by police on Monday, May 20, and charged with “publishing falsehoods.” He was released after five hours of questioning. If found guilty, he faces a fine of up to Z$100,000 (US$ 1,876) or…
Charges dropped against journalist
New York, May 7, 2002—A judge today dismissed charges of “abusing journalistic privileges” and “publishing false information” against Collin Chiwanza, reporter for the independent Daily News, citing lack of evidence. Chiwanza appeared in court with fellow Daily News journalist Lloyd Mudiwa and Andrew Meldrum, a U.S. citizen who is the Zimbabwe correspondent for the London-based…
Three independent reporters arrested
Your Excellency: The Committee to Protect Journalists is writing to condemn the arrests this week of three Harare-based, independent journalists Lloyd Mudiwa, Collin Chiwanza, and Andrew Meldrum. Central Intelligence Division officers arrested Mudiwa and Chiwanza, both staff writers at the privately owned Daily News, at their Harare office in the early morning hours of April 30.
Prominent editor arrested
Your Excellency: The Committee to Protect Journalists is writing to protest your government’s continued harassment of independent journalists. Since June 1999, when the people of Zimbabwe voted against expanding the powers of the executive branch, your government has been systematically dismantling the constitutionally protected rights of Zimbabwean journalists.
Reporter released without charge after 72 hours in detention
New York, April 1, 2002—CPJ welcomes the release yesterday of Zimbabwean journalist Peta Thornycroft after more than 72 hours in custody on suspicion of violating Zimbabwe’s harsh press laws. Local sources told CPJ that High Court judge Mohammed Adam ordered police to free Thornycroft, the Zimbabwe correspondent for South Africa’s Mail and Guardian and Britain’s…