(MISA/IFEX) – The Department of Information and Publicity turned down an application by three British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), reporters to be accredited to cover the solar eclipse, citing failure to comply with the new accreditation regulations, which require journalists to give a month’s notice in order for the department to process their requests. Journalists Simon […]
(MISA/IFEX) – The Department of Information and Publicity turned down an application by three British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), reporters to be accredited to cover the solar eclipse, citing failure to comply with the new accreditation regulations, which require journalists to give a month’s notice in order for the department to process their requests.
Journalists Simon Finch, John Sweeney and James Miller applied to the department on 14 June 2001, just a day after the regulations had come into effect. The department advised the head of the BBC’s world current affairs department, Jo Dutton, that the request had been unsuccessful.
“Your request for full accreditation of the following persons: Simon Finch, John Sweeney and James Miller can only be processed by adhering to the recently announced guidelines,” read the letter from the Department of Information and Publicity. “Accordingly, all foreign media personnel who intend to visit Zimbabwe on media duties are expected to apply for accreditation from their countries at least a month before the proposed visit.”
Minister of State for Information and Publicity Jonathan Moyo said that it was ironic that the media that preached so much about the rule of law had openly violated Zimbabwe’s laws. According to a 20 June report in “The Herald”, the trio claimed that they would be accredited with the department on Monday 18 June, and were allowed into the country by immigration officials that weekend. On 19 June, they were asked to leave the country, as they had failed to be accredited.
Another BBC crew, which wanted to produce a documentary called Zimbabwe Behind the Lines has since been denied accreditation. The regulations have also been used to refuse British “Daily Telegraph” correspondent David Blair an extension of his temporary work permit, which is set to expire on 16 July. Blair has been in Zimbabwe since May 1999.
Moyo defended the decision, saying that this is the norm world-wide. However, the regulations have been largely viewed as a way for the government to control access to information by foreign journalists who have been subjected to repeated attacks for presenting Zimbabwe as a rogue state.
BACKGROUND:
On Thursday 14 June, the government imposed entry conditions on foreign journalists, requiring them to apply for official press accreditation at least one month before an intended visit.
The statement, issued by the Department of Information and Publicity (Office of the President and Cabinet) on 14 June, reads as follows:
Press Statement
In keeping with international practice, the Department of Information and Publicity in the Office of the President and Cabinet reminds foreign media personnel who intend to visit Zimbabwe on media assignments that they are expected, and indeed required to apply for accreditation from their countries of permanent station.
Accordingly and with immediate effect, applications for accreditation, which must be supported by the employing media institution, must be lodged with the Department either directly or through the nearest Zimbabwean Mission, at least a month before the proposed visit.
Travel arrangements should only start after a clear indication from the Department on accreditation status of applicants.
The department will henceforth not entertain applications by individuals who are already in the country. Equally, it will not support such crews for immigration purposes.
The department can be reached at:
Tel: +263 4 703 891 / +263 4 707 091/7
Fax: +263 4 708 557
E-mail: zimonline@gta.gov.zw
