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Accredited journalists denied coverage of the President
MISA-Zimbabwe
October 18, 2010

State security agents on 15 October, 2010 allegedly blocked accredited journalists from covering the graduation ceremony at Great Zimbabwe University in Masvingo, officiated by President Robert Mugabe.

According to the daily, NewsDay the state security agents blocked journalists from entering the ceremony demanding invitation cards similar to those issued to graduates and their relatives in addition to their accreditation cards.

It is alleged that journalists were only allowed to cover the graduation ceremony after the University's Public Relations Officer, Anderson Chipatiso intervened, although the journalists from the private media were not allowed to get in with their cameras.

Background

The Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC) issues accreditation cards to all Zimbabwean journalists to cover public functions as provided for by the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA) of as amended in 2007. The commission oversees regulation of print media and accreditation of journalists.

Section 78 of the Act, provides for privileges afforded to accredited journalists such as visiting parliament and any public body with the purpose of carrying out journalistic duties, covering public and national events, accessing public institutions. Section 78(3) exempts unaccredited journalists from enjoying such privileges.

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