**Updates IFEX alerts dated 11, 3 August; 24, 16 July; and 16, 19 June 1995** The publisher and two senior editors of Zimbabwe’s leading independent newspaper, the “Financial Gazette”, have been fined. The South African Press Association reports that Magistrate William Cutler fined the owners of the “Gazette”, Modus Publications, Z$ 2500 (U$300). “Gazette” editor […]
**Updates IFEX alerts dated 11, 3 August; 24, 16
July; and 16, 19 June 1995**
The publisher and two senior editors of Zimbabwe’s leading
independent newspaper, the “Financial Gazette”, have been fined.
The South African Press Association reports that Magistrate
William Cutler fined the owners of the “Gazette”, Modus
Publications, Z$ 2500 (U$300). “Gazette” editor Trevor Ncube was
fined Z$ 3000 (U$360), and deputy editor Simba Makunike, the
author of the story, was fined Z$ 6000 (U$720).
Recommended Action
Send appeals to Zimbabwean authorities:
is a civil matter, and an arcane law like Criminal Defamation,
which clearly contravenes accepted international standards on
freedom of expression, has no place in a society claiming 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
Fax: +263 4 790901
Please copy appeals to the originator if possible.
