Editor arrested in connection with article

Zimbabwe
This article is more than 26 years old

ARTICLE 19

13 January 1999

2 minute read

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) – ARTICLE 19 is concerned about reports that Mark Chavhunduka, editor of “The Standard” newpaper, was arrested on 12 January 1999 by military police officers and is being detained at Cranborne military barracks in connection with an article which the newspaper published regarding an alleged coup. According to ARTICLE 19’s information, no charge […]

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) – ARTICLE 19 is concerned about reports that Mark
Chavhunduka, editor of “The Standard” newpaper, was arrested on 12 January
1999 by military police officers and is being detained at Cranborne military
barracks in connection with an article which the newspaper published
regarding an alleged coup. According to ARTICLE 19’s information, no charge
has been lodged against Chavhunduka. The organisation understand that “The
Standard” filed an application in the courts for his immediate release on 13
January.

ARTICLE 19 has been informed that Chavhunduka has been denied access to his
lawyer and family, in contravention of Zimbabwean law and international
standards.

Recommended Action


Send appeals to the President:
  • expressing concern by reports that other journalists working for “The
    Standard” may be at risk of arrest in connection with the story
  • expressing concern that his arrest and detention violates Zimbabwe’s
    international legal obligations with regard to the right to freedom of
    expression under Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and
    Political Rights and Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’
    Rights
  • questioning why, as a civilian, Chavhunduka is being held incommunicado in
    a military barracks
  • explaining that this situation increases anxiety that he may be
    ill-treated or tortured while in custody
  • expressing the opinion that Chavhunduka has been imprisoned solely for
    exercising his right to freedom of expression and should be immediately and
    unconditionally released
  • reminding him that the Johannesburg Principles, which have been endorsed
    by the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Opinion and Expression, state
    that restrictions on expression on grounds of national security may be
    applied only where the expression is either intended to incite imminent
    violence or is likely to incite such violence
  • explaining that this is clearly not the case with regard to Chavhunduka
  • suggesting that if Chavhunduka is to remain in detention, he should be
    promptly charged with an established criminal offence, afforded every
    opportunity to conduct a full and fair defence, including by communicating
    with his lawyer, and held in conditions which conform to international
    standards for the treatment of prisoners
  • finally, calling for the official harassment of “The Standard” to cease

    Appeals To



    
His Excellency President Robert Mugabe
    
C/o Office of the President
    
Munhumutapa Building
    
Samora Machel Avenue
    
Private Bag 7700
    
Causeway
    
Harare, Zimbabwe
    
FAX: +263 4 728799 / 708820 / 734644

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