(WAN/IFEX) – In a letter to Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, WAN has expressed its serious concern at threats allegedly made against journalists Ray Choto, Basildon Peta and Ibbo Mandaza. According to reports, the journalists, all of whom work for independent newspapers in Harare, were threatened in separate incidents. In the case of Choto, a reporter […]
(WAN/IFEX) – In a letter to Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, WAN has expressed its serious concern at threats allegedly made against journalists Ray Choto, Basildon Peta and Ibbo Mandaza.
According to reports, the journalists, all of whom work for independent newspapers in Harare, were threatened in separate incidents. In the case of Choto, a reporter for the “Sunday Standard”, a child’s toy and two bullets were delivered to his home. Peta, news editor of the “Financial Gazette”, reportedly found three bullets in his mailbox with a note saying, “Watch out or you are dead”. Mandaza, of the “Zimbabwe Mirror”, was allegedly threatened by an unidentified telephone caller.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to the president:
– reminding him that it is the duty of the state to ensure that journalists are able to carry out their professional duties without fear of attack and intimidation
– noting that such threats foster a climate of fear that may inhibit journalistic investigation and can promote self-censorship
– calling on him to ensure that the incidents are fully and expeditiously investigated and that those responsible are swiftly brought to justice
– urging him to do his utmost to ensure that Choto, Peta and Mandaza are able to continue carrying out their professional duties in safety
Appeals To
APPEALS TO:
His Excellency President Robert Mugabe
Office of the President
Causeway
Harare, Zimbabwe
Fax: +263 4 708557
Please copy appeals to WAN.
