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IFJ
condemns arrests and harassment of journalists in Zimbabwe
International
Federation of Journalists (IFJ)
November 02, 2010
The International
Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today condemned the arrests and
harassment of Nkosana Dlamini and Andreson Manyere, both freelance
journalists, who were covering the constitutional outreach process
on Saturday, 30 October 2010. On the same day, another freelance
journalist, Sydney Saize, was beaten up, robbed and injured in Mutare.
"We are
worried to see in one day, as many as three journalists harassed
and prevented from executing their duties" said Gabriel Baglo,
Director of IFJ Africa Office. "It is necessary that all political
actors take concrete measures in order to sustain press freedom
and freedom of expression".
According to
Zimbabwe Union
of Journalists (ZUJ), IFJ affiliate, on Saturday, 30 October,
while they were covering the constitutional outreach process, Nkosana
Dlamini and Andreson Manyere who were accredited by the Zimbabwe
Media Commission (ZMC) were arrested by the Zimbabwe Republic Police
(ZRP) and detained overnight in police custody. They were released
on Sunday after being charged for "criminal nuisance"
under the Criminal
Law (Codification and Reform) Act after they were transferred
to Harare Central Police Station.
At the same
time, a freelance journalist, Sydney Saize, was severely beaten
up and injured while attending a ZANU PF fundraising function in
Mutare. He lost his money, his press card, a mobile phone and his
reporting equipment during the process and is currently receiving
medical treatment.
In a statement
published today, ZUJ and the Southern Africa Journalists Association
(SAJA) condemned the increasing threats against journalists in Zimbabwe.
"As we approach emotive events such as the anticipated referendum
and elections, we call on all political parties and organised groups
to allow journalists to do their work professionally without hindrance"
said Foster Dongozi, ZUJ General Secretary and SAJA President.
Regarding the
next electoral deadlines, IFJ calls on all political parties to
pay attention to the safety of journalists and to respect press
freedom for the consolidation of the democratic process in Zimbabwe.
"We would also urge authorities at police headquarters to
conduct awareness campaigns within the force on the operations of
the media" added Dongozi.
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