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Bail hearing tomorrow for detained Zimbabwe Independent editor
2 Jul, 2025
What happened
Bail hearing in the case of Zimbabwe Independent editor Faith Zaba in custody on charges of allegedly undermining the authority of or insulting the President has been set for tomorrow.
The State requested for postponement of the bail hearing to tomorrow, when Zaba, who is in custody following her arrest on 1 July 2025, appeared before Harare magistrate Vakayi Chikwekwe.
The State said they needed time to consider documents on Zaba’s medical history.
The charge relates to a satirical article published in the weekly’s Muckraker column last Friday.
Zaba, who was reportedly on bed rest and away from work due to poor health, voluntarily presented herself to the police before she was detained.
Her lawyer, Chris Mhike, said they made submissions regarding bail, emphasising Zaba’s poor health.
“These allegations arise out of a satirical piece that was published in a recent Zimbabwe Independent edition,” Mhike said.
“The State alleges that, that satire was deemed to be offensive to the authorities.”
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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.
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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