Following the gazetting of the Cybersecurity and Data Protection Bill, MISA Zimbabwe convened a capacity-building workshop on the proposed law in Harare with parliamentarians during which it highlighted its concerns with some of its provisions.
News
Trial of Newsday journalist commences
The trial of NewsDay journalist Rex Mphisa and Zimpapers sales representative Charles Marerwa on charges of contravening the COVID-19 regulations was on 5 June 2020 adjourned to 9 June 2020 in Zimbabwe’s southern border town of Beitbridge.
Journalist living in fear following threats by Zanu PF officials
Zimbabwean journalist Hopewell Chin’ono says he fears for his life following a Zanu PF press conference, during which he was named as attacking the integrity of the First Family by exposing its alleged corruption.
Freedom of expression in Zimbabwe report now available!
This research was compiled by Hlengiwe Dube on behalf of MISA Zimbabwe as part of its project which was supported under the AfDec Strategic Advocacy Fund.
Information and Internet Rights in Zimbabwe report available now!
This research was compiled by Izak Minnaar, to assist MISA Zimbabwe to strategically advocate for the right to access information and the internet, using the African Declaration on Internet Rights and Freedoms and other advocacy instruments.
Digital rights literacy in Southern Africa report now available!
This research was done by Chenai Chair on behalf of MISA Zimbabwe in partnership with DW Akademie focusing on digital rights literacy in Southern Africa with a specific focus on Zimbabwe, Zambia, Tanzania and Malawi.
Cyber Bill subject to Parly procedures despite COVID-19 lockdown
The Parliament of Zimbabwe says it will adhere to requisite parliamentary processes following the gazetting of the Cybersecurity and Data Protection Bill notwithstanding the Coronavirus lockdown measures and restrictions.
Journalists charged under COVID-19 regulations granted bail
Journalists Frank Chikowore and Samuel Takawira were granted bail when they appeared in court and remanded out of custody to 15 June 2020 on charges of breaching Section 11 (b) of Statutory Instrument 83 of 2020 in terms of the COVID-19 regulations.
Content creators file court application against ZMC accreditation
Zimbabwe Online Content Creators Trust (ZOCC) has filed an urgent chamber application with the High Court seeking an order for suspension of the Zimbabwe Media Commission’s accreditation process set to commence in Harare on 26 May 2020.
Regional governments intensify crackdowns on media during COVID-19
As the continent commemorates Africa Day on 25 May, it is worrying that the majority of Southern African countries, typical of fragile states, are taking advantage of the outbreak of the deadly Coronavirus to tighten their grip on power.