Zimbabwe Independent editor detained
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.
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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Faith Zaba editor of the weekly Zimbabwe Independent
1
Zimbabwe Republic Police
State, Quasi-state
Harare