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Media should report on coup allegations
MISA-Zimbabwe
June 29, 2007

MISA-Zimbabwe is of the strong view that the news blackout imposed on the court proceedings in the case of the alleged coup plot has deprived the public their right to information pertaining to issues of public interest and national concern.

The blackout has handicapped the media from reporting objectively and authoritatively on the coup plot on a serious national issue which is already before the courts and should therefore be in the public domain.

On 22 June 2007 High Court Judge Justice Tedius Karwi ruled that the proceedings should be held in camera, citing the sensitive nature of the case. Justice Karwi made the ruling after Lawrence Phiri of the Attorney-General's Office applied to have members of the public, including the press, excluded from the proceedings under the Courts and Adjudicating Authorities (Publicity Restriction) Act.

MISA-Zimbabwe submits that a total news blackout on the court proceedings is unfair and not in the public and national interest as it gives room to all sorts of speculations on what exactly transpired and is happening in the courts.

MISA-Zimbabwe argues that the courts and all judicial proceedings should be public events subject to media reportage so that justice is not only done but seen to be done. In this regard the media becomes an important player in conveying the proceedings to the generality of citizens. In a politically charged environment such as Zimbabwe, issues pertaining to national security are often clouded with political overtones and innuendos and it is in the interest of the state that matters relating to threats to national security and stability are played out in the public and in the open so that all parties are satisfied.

It is in this regard that the media blackout further fuels speculation and uncertainty as to what is really happening. Contrary to the views of the state that this case should be treated with secrecy as it threatens national security, MISA-Zimbabwe contends that it is in fact the media blackout that will result in all sorts of speculation and falsehoods which is not healthy to national interest and security.

In this regard MISA-Zimbabwe calls upon the state to allow the media and the public access to the court proceedings in this matter in the spirit of transparency, justice and fairness to the accused and the people of Zimbabwe at large.

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