Police this afternoon, 19 October 2019, assaulted journalist Ruvimbo Muchenje while they were dispersing protesters in the Harare City Centre. Muchenje is a journalist with one of Zimbabwe’s daily newspapers, the NewsDay.
At the time of the assault, Muchenje was suspected of recording skirmishes between the police and protestors when the police officers hit her camera with a baton stick. Muchenje said a female officer directed four male police officers to attack her in the process, before fleeing for dear life. She has since received medical attention for the injuries sustained in the attacks.
MISA Zimbabwe position
MISA Zimbabwe is greatly concerned with the seemingly increased number of cases where police officers assault media practitioners conducting their journalistic work. We, therefore, take this opportunity to remind the police that it is not a crime to photograph or film police operations in public areas. Such actions amount to unwarranted and unjustifiable censorship of the media.
SOS journalists hotline
If you are injured, detained or arrested ín the line of duty, call our 24/7 SOS journalist hotline on 0784 437 338 to access legal and/or medical assistance.
Don’t forget to have the number saved in your phone for emergencies!
Find out more about the hotline here.
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