(RSF/IFEX) – On 3 February 2003, RSF called on the government to allow media unrestricted access to the trial of opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai. The organisation stressed that the trial should be carried out in the presence of independent observers and media representatives, regardless of their editorial stand. “It is unacceptable that the police should […]
(RSF/IFEX) – On 3 February 2003, RSF called on the government to allow media unrestricted access to the trial of opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai. The organisation stressed that the trial should be carried out in the presence of independent observers and media representatives, regardless of their editorial stand.
“It is unacceptable that the police should deprive the Zimbabwean public of their right to be properly informed,” said RSF Secretary-General Robert Ménard. He called on police to release two journalists who were arrested at the courthouse, and allow journalists into the court without restriction, in line with the request of the High Court’s presiding judge.
The trial of Tsvangirai, leader of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), and two of his senior colleagues opened before the Harare High Court on 3 February. The three opposition figures were charged with treason and could be sentenced to death. The courtroom was barred to most journalists before the start of the hearing. Two of the journalists present – freelancer Ish Mafundikwa and Pedzisai Ruhanya of “The Daily News” – were arrested after protesting against the restrictions.
Other journalists, along with diplomats, opposition supporters and independent observers, were also barred by police, who said there was no room inside the courtroom, though lawyers said there were in fact several empty benches. Later on 3 February, Judge Paddington Garwe asked police to allow anyone who wanted to attend the trial inside the court.
