Zimbabwe High Court judge Justice Manzunzu on 20 April 2020 ordered the police and other law enforcement agencies charged with enforcing the COVID-19 lockdown not to arrest, detain or interfere “in any unnecessary way” with the work of journalists.
Statements
Zimbabwe at 40: Missed opportunities on media democratic front
Zimbabwe celebrates its 40 years of independence on 18 April 2020 against the backdrop of several missed opportunities to entrench the country’s democratic credentials, which is critical to socio-economic development and national prosperity.
MISA journalists court application hearing adjourned to Monday
The matter in which MISA Zimbabwe is seeking a High Court order interdicting police officers and other law enforcement agents from interfering with the work of journalists during the COVID-19 lockdown was adjourned to Monday, 20 April 2020.
MISA files court application against police harassment of journalists
MISA Zimbabwe has filed an urgent chamber application with the High Court seeking an order interdicting police officers and other law enforcement agents from interfering with the work of journalists on the basis that their press cards were issued in 2019.
MISA files urgent COVID-19 court application
MISA Zimbabwe has filed an urgent chamber application with the High Court seeking an order compelling the government to publish and disseminate information on the private and public testing and treatment centres allocated for dealing with COVID -19 cases.
COVID-19 is the enemy, not the media!
The fight against the COVID-19 pandemic among other major challenges poses the greatest test to Zimbabwe’s respect for its Bill of Rights more so as it pertains to media freedom and citizens’ right to access to information.
The Zimbabwe Lockdown vis-à-vis Internet Governance
With the lockdown coming into effect, the sad reality for the majority of Zimbabweans is that internet access remains a challenge with Zimbabwe having been ranked amongst some of the countries with the most expensive data in Africa.
The struggle to access information in Zimbabwe continues
MISA Zimbabwe notes with concern that highly questionable fees, which do not promote the exercise of rights, have been effected recently by different agencies.
Notice: MISA Zimbabwe measures on COVID-19
MISA Zimbabwe by virtue of this notification has with immediate effect downscaled its operations to reduce the possible spreading of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) among its staff and other stakeholders.
Exorbitant fees hamper Zimbabwean citizens’ right to information
MISA Zimbabwe calls for the review of listener’s fees for radio and television following the increase of listeners’ licence fees for both radio and television by the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation.