(RSF/IFEX) – On 20 March 2003, RSF protested the arrest of Philimon Bulawayo, a photographer with the independent newspaper “The Daily News”. Bulawayo was arrested while covering a demonstration in Harare on 18 March. The paper’s lawyer, Gugulethu Moyo, was also detained when she went to the Glen View police station in suburban Harare a […]
(RSF/IFEX) – On 20 March 2003, RSF protested the arrest of Philimon Bulawayo, a photographer with the independent newspaper “The Daily News”. Bulawayo was arrested while covering a demonstration in Harare on 18 March. The paper’s lawyer, Gugulethu Moyo, was also detained when she went to the Glen View police station in suburban Harare a few hours later to seek Bulawayo’s release.
Bulawayo and Moyo were beaten at the time of their respective arrests and were transferred to Harare Central police station on 19 March. The paper has had no news of them since. Another lawyer for the paper went to the police station to demand that they be brought before a judge without delay and taken to hospital for treatment.
RSF called on the authorities to free them at once and ensure that journalists are able to report freely and securely on opposition activities and demonstrations by civil society groups.
“Once again, ‘The Daily News’ has been targeted for its opinions,” said RSF Secretary-General Robert Ménard. “Every week, its reporters or photographers are harassed by the police.” He noted that Zimbabwe has the worst press freedom record in Southern Africa and is one of the worst offenders on the continent where journalists’ rights are concerned.
Demonstrations were held at several locations across the country on 18 and 19 March, in response to an appeal by the main opposition party, the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC). A strike call was also followed by workers in many firms and businesses. About 120 people were arrested over the two days, the MDC said. Police said they arrested 63 persons for violent behaviour.
