Gweru journalist arrested and detained
18 Aug, 2021
What happened
Journalist Elizabeth Mashiri was on 17 August 2021 arrested and detained for about four hours at Gweru Central Police Station in Zimbabwe’s Midlands Province on allegations of disorderly conduct.
Mashiri was only released after MISA Zimbabwe deployed Media Lawyers Network lawyer, Mr. Chidawanyika, who attended to the matter.
She was, however, charged with disorderly conduct for allegedly contravening Section 41 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.
The basis of the matter is that Mashiri took photographs and videos of police officers who were on duty at Kudzanai Bus Terminus in the Midlands capital of Gweru.
She had reportedly observed some commotion involving members of the municipal police, Zimbabwe Republic Police officers and vendors, and was arrested while trying to capture the incident on her mobile phone.
Mashiri will appear in court by way of summons on Thursday, 19 August 2021.
MISA's position
About MISA
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:
Journalist
Journalist
Number affected:
1
1
Perpetrators:
Police officers
Police officers
Types of actors:
State
State
Location:
Gweru
Gweru