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ZCTU press statement on the closure of the Daily News
Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU)
September 17, 2003

The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) would like to express its surprise at the closure of the Daily News by the government after the Supreme Court had ruled that it was operating illegally.

Despite the court's confirmation, it is the zest shown by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) which smacks of foul play and an ulterior motive in the swift clamp down of the paper's offices and its printing press.

The ZCTU is also deeply concerned about the welfare of the Daily News workers who have been left jobless especially during these difficult economic times. This move has also affected hundreds of family members who are also dependents of the affected workers.

The reaction by the ZRP shows that the law is applied selectively as some rogue elements who are sympathisers of the government are often untouched even if they commit serious crimes like torture, rape and corruption.

It must be known that the ZCTU has always maintained that the promulgation of new laws at this moment in time, especially the Public Order and Security Act (POSA) and the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA) is meant to curtail the Freedom of Association and Freedom of Expression as evidenced by the abrupt closure of the Daily News which is the country's only independent daily newspaper.

Given this development the ZCTU mourns the closure of the Daily News, which has been offering an alternative voice in the much polarized media environment. The muzzling of the paper is an assault to democracy and the existence of a vibrant and robust independent press.

However the ZCTU calls upon the relevant authorities to ensure that the Daily News is immediately registered and allowed to operate without any interference.

Wellington Chibebe
Secretary General

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