MISA Zimbabwe National Director Dr Tabani Moyo has written to the Parliament of Zimbabwe to ensure the safety and security of journalists covering the public hearings of Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3.
In his letter to Clerk of Parliament, Mr Kennedy Chokuda, Dr Moyo, said MISA Zimbabwe is concerned about reports regarding the challenges some journalists were facing covering the public hearings.
“The challenges reported to us so far include harassment and intimidation of journalists covering the public hearings, as well as difficulties in accessing some of the venues,” he said.
The letter was also copied to the Speaker of the National Assembly of Zimbabwe, Honourable Advocate Jacob Mudenda.
Dr Moyo stated that Parliament should ensure the media fulfils its lawful professional duties without obstruction, in accordance with Sections 61 and 62 of the Constitution, which guarantee freedom of expression, freedom of the media, and access to information.
“It is our humble submission that a public statement or announcement by Parliament to that effect will go a long way in ensuring the safety and security of journalists covering the public hearings in line with their constitutional mandate,” he said.
“The media plays a vital role in safeguarding citizens’ right to access information and ensuring public accountability, especially when it concerns significant national issues such as the ongoing public hearings on the Constitutional Amendment Bill No.3.”
The letter was also copied to the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Zhemu Soda; the Chief Whips for ZANU PF and CCC, as the two political parties represented in the August House; and the National Police Spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi.
MISA Zimbabwe Communique
