A Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) news crew vehicle was torched in Harare’s central business district on 24 August 2016 during a march by MDC-T youths marking the launch of a campaign dubbed #MyZimbabwe.
Earlier, freelance journalist Lucy Yasin was assaulted by members of the riot police while covering the same march which was reportedly disrupted by the police.
MISA-Zimbabwe position
MISA-Zimbabwe strongly condemns the torching of the vehicle as a gross violation of the media’s right to cover events as they unfold without any hindrance or risk to their lives as provided for and protected by the Constitution.
Journalists should also exercise extreme caution when covering violent demonstrations or potentially explosive situations. MISA-Zimbabwe therefore reiterates its calls for journalists to constantly refer to the safety and security manuals of the profession when entering or covering hostile situations.
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