Back to Index

Editor, journalists threatened by suspected state security agents
David Baxter, Zimbabwe Journalists
February 13, 2008

http://www.zimbabwejournalists.com/story.php?art_id=3544&cat=1

Harare - The editor and journalists of The Masvingo Mirror, a private weekly publication, were on Saturday February 9, 2008 threatened by suspected state security agents over articles published in their weekly edition of February
8-14 2008.

According to the editor of the paper, Regis Chingawo, two men clad in black suits and dark glasses stormed into the news room on Saturday morning demanding to know the sources of two articles published in relation to the events unfolding as the run-up to the elections intensifies.

The two interrogated the editor and his staff about the articles titled, "Major Mbudzi ties the bell around the Cat's neck" and "Makoni's national surgical operation Mbudzi speaks out," both of which made reference to the announcement by former Finance Minister, Simba Makoni of his presidential ambitions.

Chingawo highlighted that from the threats, it was obvious the publication of Mbudzi's remarks which denounced the president and described him as, "a bus driver who is sleeping on the steering who is refusing to give others a chance," had angered the suspected State Security Agents.

"The two men demanded to know the sources and threatened us with closure if we continued to publish stories that are anti-government and aimed at decampaigning the ruling party", said Chingawo.

Misa-Zimbabwe notes with concern the harassment and threatening of journalists going about their professional duties, and urges the responsible authorities to adequately address such issues which intend to deter journalists from actively conducting their duties during this crucial election period when Zimbabweans have a right to access information.

The Masvingo Mirror has since filed a police report.

Please credit www.kubatana.net if you make use of material from this website. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License unless stated otherwise.

TOP