**Updates IFEX alerts dated 3 August, 24 and 16 July, and 16 and 10 June 1995** The publisher, editor and deputy editor of Zimbabwe’s “Financial Gazette” have been found guilty of criminal defamation, and are now awaiting sentencing, the South African Press Association (SAPA) reports. Deputy editor Simba Makunike was found guilty of actual intent […]
**Updates IFEX alerts dated 3 August, 24 and 16 July,
and 16 and 10 June 1995**
The publisher, editor and deputy editor of Zimbabwe’s “Financial
Gazette” have been found guilty of criminal defamation, and are
now awaiting sentencing, the South African Press Association
(SAPA) reports. Deputy editor Simba Makunike was found guilty of
actual intent to defame, while Elias Rusike, chief executive of
the company which publishes the “Gazette”, and “Gazette” editor
Trevor Ncube were found guilty of the lesser crime of legal
intent.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to Zimbabwean authorities:
arcane law like the Criminal Defamation Law, which clearly
contravenes accepted international standards on freedom of
expression, is inappropriate — especially in a society that
claims to be a democracy
such legislation to silence critical voices, and bring all
legislation in line with accepted standards on media freedom and
free expression as a matter of urgency
Appeals To
President Robert Mugabe
Private Bag 7700
Causeway
Harare, Zimbabwe
Telex: 24478
Attorney-General Patrick Chinamasa
Ministry of Justice
Private Bag 7714
Causeway
Harare, Zimbabwe
Tel: +263 4 703353
Please copy appeals to the originator if possible.
