(IFJ/IFEX) – The IFJ is disturbed by recent arrests of journalists in Zimbabwe. According to the IFJ’s information, Mark Chavunduka, editor of the “Standard” newspaper, was detained by the Zimbabwean military on 12 January 1999, two days after the “Standard” published a story alleging that soldiers had been detained for attempting to overthrow the government […]
(IFJ/IFEX) – The IFJ is disturbed by recent arrests of journalists in
Zimbabwe. According to the IFJ’s information, Mark Chavunduka, editor of the
“Standard” newspaper, was detained by the Zimbabwean military on 12 January
1999, two days after the “Standard” published a story alleging that soldiers
had been detained for attempting to overthrow the government of Robert
Mugabe. Ray Choto, the author of the article, was arrested on 19 January
after he came out of hiding.
During his incarceration, Chavunduka was denied access to legal
representation, family and friends, and there have been reports that he was
tortured.
A High Court decision of 14 January, ordered the government to release
Chavunduka because his detention was unlawful. The military, however,
refused to abide by the court order saying civilian courts have no
jurisdiction over military camps where Chavunduka was being held. The
military then defied a second court order demanding that the minister of
defence produce Chavunduka before 22:00 hours (local time) on 18 January.
The military claimed it would be handing Chavunduka over to the police to be
charged under a civil process.
Both journalists have since been charged under Section 50 (2) of the Law and
Order Maintenance Act of 1960, and released on bail.
The IFJ is expressing support for the activities of the Zimbabwe Union of
Journalists (ZUJ), an IFJ member, on these issues and Farhana Ismail, a
member of the IFJ Executive Committee has raised this matter in Southern
Africa. The IFJ will continue to address the issue internationally.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to the President:
journalists in matters relating to press coverage
detention and their right to freedom of expression have been abused
jurisdiction of Zimbabwe’s High Court, and that they find it acceptable to
detain people incommunicado
dropped and to guarantee that journalists in Zimbabwe are free to inform the
public
Appeals To
President Robert Mugabe
Office of the President
Causeway, Harare
Zimbabwe
Fax: +263 4 708 557
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
