HASH(0x8963130) **Updates IFEX alerts of 18 January, 15 January and 13 January 1999** (WAN/IFEX) – The following is a WAN press release: WAN Protests Illegal Detention in Zimbabwe The World Association of Newspapers (WAN) has asked President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe to order the release of journalist Mark Chavhunduka, who was illegally detained by the […]
HASH(0x8963130)
**Updates IFEX alerts of 18 January, 15 January and 13 January 1999**
(WAN/IFEX) – The following is a WAN press release:
WAN Protests Illegal Detention in Zimbabwe
The World Association of Newspapers (WAN) has asked President Robert Mugabe
of Zimbabwe to order the release of journalist Mark Chavhunduka, who was
illegally detained by the military after writing about an alleged military
plot to overthrow the government.
“The action taken against this journalist constitutes a clear breach not
only of Zimbabwean law, but also of numerous conventions ratified by
Zimbabwe, such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
and the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights,” WAN said in a letter
to President Mugabe.
“We respectfully but strongly urge you to order the release of this
journalist, and to ensure that the military police refrain from intimidating
the press,” said the letter, signed by WAN President Bengt Braun. “By doing
so, you will demonstrate your personal commitment to freedom of expression
in Zimbabwe.”
Mr Chavhunduka, editor of The Standard newspaper, was arrested on 12 January
by Zimbabwe military police and — despite a high court ruling to release
him — was held in military barracks until he was handed over to police on
18 January.
The Paris-based WAN, the global association of the newspaper industry,
defends and promotes press freedom world-wide. It represents 15,000
newspapers and its membership includes 57 national newspaper publisher
associations, individual newspaper executives in 90 countries, 17 news
agencies and seven regional press groups
