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On World Press Freedom Day - Zimbabweans deserve a free media and diverse information
Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR)
May 02, 2012

Zimbabwe Lawyers For Human Rights (ZLHR) joins all supporters of media freedom in commemorating World Press Freedom Day on 3 May 2012, but calls for increased commitment by the government in eradicating media repression and facilitating media diversity, pluralism and responsible journalism in the country. Whilst several privately owned newspapers are now on the streets on a daily and weekly basis, ZLHR notes that these products, and thus access to alternative information, remain beyond the reach of the majority of Zimbabweans due to cost and accessibility. The electronic media similarly remains full of barriers, as the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) continues to produce and air one-sided political content replete with hate speech and laughable propaganda, and as licences are parceled out to cronies who have shown themselves willing to continue with the same unfortunate agenda.

As can be seen from the myriad satellite dishes and short-wave radios littered around the country, as well as the general unwillingness by people to pay ZBC licence fees, they have lost faith in this broadcaster and cannot be fooled by its venom and lies.

It is regrettable to note that some newspapers and electronic media continue to be used to further partisan political agendas and to attack legitimate human rights defenders with continued impunity at the expense of providing accurate, balanced, fair and ethical news and information, whilst worrying allegations of corruption and bribery within the media profession itself are yet to be effectively interrogated. This situation prevails at the same time that investigative journalists who uncover shocking evidence of corruption and mis-governance are persecuted and prosecuted using colonial style laws, instead of being acknowledged for their efforts to contribute to improved governance and accountability by exposing the rot in the public and private sectors. ZLHR remains greatly concerned by the ever-increasing persecution through prosecution of media practitioners and ordinary members of society on charges of criminal defamation and use of insult laws.

In a modern world where vigorous legitimate criticism has become the norm, only those who fear scrutiny and accountability continue to abuse the law, the police and the prosecutorial office to shield themselves.

As elections draw ever nearer, the urgency of genuine media reform must remain a priority, because without these freedoms, people remain uninformed and demobilised in the struggle to advance their rights and freedoms and freely choose their representatives. The battle for media plurality, diversity of information, legislative reform, and accountability must therefore be a fight taken on, not only by the media itself and media rights organisations, but also by the broader civil society and the general public as a whole. A closed society where archaic views and practices continue to prevail impacts us all, and for this reason ZLHR renews and reiterates its commitment to this struggle until victory is achieved.

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