(WiPC/IFEX) – The WiPC of International PEN is dismayed at the 23 October 2002 arrest and brief detention of Geoffrey Nyarota. The “Daily News” editor-in-chief was charged with “publishing false information” under the Public Order and Security Act and released the same day. The charge stems from an 11 October “Daily News” article regarding the […]
(WiPC/IFEX) – The WiPC of International PEN is dismayed at the 23 October 2002 arrest and brief detention of Geoffrey Nyarota. The “Daily News” editor-in-chief was charged with
“publishing false information” under the Public Order and Security Act and released the same day.
The charge stems from an 11 October “Daily News” article regarding the alleged use of electric shocks by the police to torture Tom Spicer, a youth activist for the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC). The police claim that the story has undermined the public’s confidence in them and was thus “prejudicial to the state”. Nyarota, who has denied the charge, was obliged to sign a “warned and cautioned” statement.
Background Information
As the editor-in-chief of the non-state-owned newspaper with the highest circulation in Zimbabwe, Nyarota has been the target of constant harassment by the authorities. He is currently facing six charges brought by various members of the Zimbabwean government, including President Mugabe, all related to articles he has published in the newspaper. In January 2001, the “Daily News” printing presses were destroyed by explosives reportedly only available to the army (see IFEX alerts of 1 February, 31, 30 and 29 January 2001 and others). The “Daily News”‘ Bulawayo offices were petrol-bombed in February 2002 (see IFEX alerts of 12 and 11 February 2002). On 21 October, three “Daily News” employees, including reporter Henry Makiwa, were detained briefly whilst covering a demonstration held by secondary school pupils (see previous IFEX alert of 24 October 2002).
Recommended Action
Send appeals to authorities:
– calling for all charges against Nyarota to be dropped and for an end to the campaign of harassment aimed at him and the “Daily News”
Appeals To
His Honourable Cde Robert Mugabe
Executive President of the Republic of Zimbabwe
Office of the President
Private Bag 7700
Causeway, Harare
Zimbabwe
Fax: +263 4 734 644 / +263 4 708 557
Professor Jonathan Moyo
Hon Minister of State of Information and Publicity
President’s Office
Bag 7700
Causeway, Harare
Zimbabwe
Fax: +263 4 70638
E-mail: zimonline@gta.gov.zw
Ambassador Dr Sumbi V Mubako
Zimbabwean Embassy
1608 New Hampshire Avenue
NW Washington DC 20009
United States
Tel: +202 332 7100
Fax: +202 483 9326
E-mail: zimemb@erols.com
High Commissioner Simbarashe Simbanenduku Mumbengegwi
High Commission for the Republic of Zimbabwe
Zimbabwean High Commission
Zimbabwe House
429 Strand
London WC2R OQE
Fax: +20 7379 1167
E-mail: zimlondon@callnetuk.com
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
