Zimbabwe Independent editor detained
1 Jul, 2025
What happened
Faith Zaba editor of the weekly Zimbabwe Independent was on 1 July 2025 arrested and detained in Harare on allegations of undermining the authority of or insulting the President.
According to her lawyer, Chris Mhike, the charge relates to a satirical article published in the weekly’s Muckraker column last Friday.
Mhike said the police insisted on detaining Zaba overnight, after they had recorded her warned and cautioned statement, pending a court appearance “provisionally tomorrow”.
“We are deeply disappointed with the determination of the authorities to lock Zaba up, even in the face of medical confirmation of her current severe illness,” said Mhike.
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The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) was founded in 1992. Its work focuses on promoting, and advocating for, the unhindered enjoyment of freedom of expression, access to information and a free, independent, diverse and pluralistic media.
Latest media violations
Those affected:
Faith Zaba editor of the weekly Zimbabwe Independent
Faith Zaba editor of the weekly Zimbabwe Independent
Number affected:
1
1
Perpetrators:
Zimbabwe Republic Police
Zimbabwe Republic Police
Types of actors:
State, Quasi-state
State, Quasi-state
Location:
Harare
Harare