IFJ condemns Zimbabwe for arrests and torture

IFJ Condemns Zimbabwe for Arrests and Torture

The IFJ today condemned the Zimbabwe authorities for arresting and, in
some cases torturing, journalists.

Since the beginning of the year, seven journalists have been detained in
Zimbabwe, and at least two, Mark Chavunduka and Ray Choto of the
“Standard”, were tortured. Chavunduka and Choto were charged under the
Law and Order Maintenance Act, as were journalists Grace Kwinjeh and
publisher Ibbo Mandaza of the “Zimbabwe Mirror”.

Both the police and military officials involved in the detention and
prosecution of these journalists have shown disregard for fundamental
human rights, in particular standards relating to the detention and
interrogation of individuals.

Medical experts have confirmed that Chavunduka and Choto were tortured;
this included beatings and electrocution.

“It is not only disgusting that torture has been used against these
journalists, but it is shocking that Zimbabwe has cracked down on the
media in such a draconian manner. The attitude of the military towards
the civilian courts suggest that the rule of law is held in contempt”
said Aidan White, General Secretary of the IFJ.

“It is the journalist’s duty to inform the public of actions by the
government and their agents. Coverage of alleged coups and of the
treatment of soldiers sent to conflict zones are legitimate journalistic
subjects,” he concluded.

The IFJ urged the authorities in Zimbabwe to stop the clampdown on the
media and to prosecute the interrogators responsible for torturing
detainees.

The IFJ is the world’s largest organisation of journalists, representing
around 450,000 worldwide. It was founded in 1926 and relaunched in its
current form in 1952. The IFJ is recognised by the United Nations, and
in Europe it has status with the Council of Europe, the European Union
and the OSCE.