Draconian accreditation laws used to censor Zimbabwe elections
New York, March 27, 2008—The Zimbabwean government is using journalist accreditation laws to prevent most major international media outlets and some local journalists from covering the country’s elections on Saturday. According to local journalists and the South Africa National Editor’s Forum, only a handful of foreign correspondents are accredited, while major media groups such as…
In Zimbabwe, purported list names 15 journalists for surveillance
New York, September 28, 2007—Several journalists have raised concerns about a purported government document that names 15 independent journalists to be “placed under strict surveillance and taken in.” The authenticity of the list—published Wednesday on the South Africa-based news Web site ZimOnline—was denied by the government, although at least three of the named journalists have…
CPJ concerned by Zimbabwe’s sweeping surveillance law
New York, August 8, 2007—A sweeping surveillance law ratified Friday in Zimbabwe will target “imperialist-sponsored journalists with hidden agendas” the country’s information minister told CPJ. Sikhanyiso Ndlovu described the law as intending “to protect the president, a minister, or any citizen from harm.” The Interception of Communications Act will allow authorities to intercept all phone, Internet,…
CPJ outraged by police beating of award-winning media lawyer in Zimbabwe
New York, May 10, 2007—The Committee to Protect Journalists today called for a full and transparent investigation into the police beating on Tuesday of prominent Zimbabwean human rights lawyer Beatrice Mtetwa, a 2005 recipient of CPJ’s International Press Freedom Award, and three other attorneys.
CPJ urges Zimbabwe police commissioner to investigate Edward Chikomba’s murder
Dear Commissioner Chihuri: We are writing to request that you oversee a transparent and thorough investigation into the recent murder of Edward Chikomba, a veteran cameraman formerly with the state-run Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC). We are concerned by several reports alleging the killing was linked to his work.