Unlawful arrests of journalist s by the Zimbabwean police have increased by 130% in the past 12 months says the Media Alliance of Zimbabwe (MAZ). This reflects on the government’s intensification of the suppression of freedom of expression and guard to the electronic media from private players.
The statistics were released by the organisation during a Press conference in Harare as the World anticipates for Media Freedom Day that is celebrated on 3 May.
The organisation said stats of journalists arrested, beaten, or tortured by the police in 2016 were put together by the Media Institute of Southern Africa- Zimbabwe in their 2016 state of the media report.
"There was an upsurge in media violations with at least 23 journalists unlawfully arrested or detained in the last year," MAZ said.
"The report notes that there were 12 journalists assaulted by either the police or by unruly political activists while professionally covering news events translating to a shocking 130% & 70% increase in the number of journalists arrested and assaulted, respectively, while on duty." The organisation further stated that it was concerned by government threats against media and switching-off of online social-media during political disturbances.
"We implore the government to create a safe working environment for the media and to provide leadership within and outside government in raising awareness on the need to ensure safety of journalists and media workers," MAZ said.
"We buttress the calls for the government to address the sustainability challenges within the media industry by reviewing the multiple tax regimes and to further facilitate for the viability of the media industry."
Source: Bulawayo 24 News
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