Zimbabwe Independent Archives - Committee to Protect Journalists

Zimbabwe authorities arrest newspaper editor on charges of insulting the president

July 2, 2025 4:42 PM EDT

New York July 2, 2025—The Committee to Protect Journalists calls on Zimbabwean authorities to release newspaper editor Faith Zaba, who was arrested on July 1. She is facing charges of “undermining or insulting the authority of the president” in connection with a satirical column. “This case sends the message that Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa and…

Zimbabwe's Constitutional Court's decision to strike down criminal defamation must be implemented. (AFP/Jekesai Njikizana)

Zimbabwe court strikes down criminal defamation; implementation to be seen

July 28, 2014 11:51 AM EDT

In a landmark ruling, the Zimbabwean Constitutional Court on July 22 declared unconstitutional a section of the draconian Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act that criminalizes defamation.

Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe and his wife Grace greet party supporters on their arrival at a campaign rally in Chitungiwiza, Zimbabwe, on Tuesday. (AP/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi)

As Zimbabwe vote nears, state media drown out others

July 19, 2013 12:25 PM EDT

When Star-FM launched on June 25, 2012, it was the first time in 30 years that Zimbabweans, who have known no other radio besides the state-controlled Radio Zimbabwe, had the chance to call in to a radio station to express their views.

A Zimbabwean citizen passes election posters advertising election candidates. At least four journalists have been attacked in the lead-up to the elections in July. (AFP/Alexander Joe)

Zimbabwean journalists targeted amid pre-election tension

June 18, 2013 3:19 PM EDT

Cape Town, South Africa, June 18, 2013–All parties in Zimbabwe’s government of national unity must respect the responsibility of journalists to document events and report the views of citizens, especially in the run-up to the country’s elections in July, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. In four different cases this month, reporters have been…

Zimbabwe journalists charged after military-MDC story

May 8, 2013 2:23 PM EDT

Cape Town, South Africa, May 8, 2013–Police in Harare have filed criminal charges against two Zimbabwean journalists on accusations they published “false statements prejudicial to the state” in a story about behind-the-scenes discussions between military leaders and the opposition Movement for Democratic Change.