News and press statements
SADC resolution on social media abuse cause for concern
Southern African Development Community (SADC) Heads of State and Government at the end of their recent Ordinary Summit resolved to take pre-emptive measures against external interference, the impact of fake news and abuse of social media particularly in electoral processes.
Media should guard against being purveyors of hate, ethnic animosity
The media should always, thus be on high alert and guard against propagating information that has the potential of triggering tribal or ethnic hostility among the citizens of Zimbabwe.
Fresh bail application for journalist Chin’ono to be held in-camera
The fresh bid for bail by journalist Hopewell Chin’ono will be heard in camera on 13 August 2020 at the Harare Magistrates Court following an application to that effect by the State.
Worrying trend on media clampdown continues in Tanzania
Tanzania has announced a new set of regulations for foreign media in a continuing and worrying trend of clamping down on freedom of expression and media freedom.
Journalist detained overnight for violating curfew
Journalist Gilbert Munetsi spent the night in police cells after he was arrested by police in Chitungwiza outside Harare on 7 August 2020 around 8 pm for allegedly violating the 6 am – 6 pm curfew imposed in terms of the COVID-19 regulations.
Update: Journalist Chin’ono’s lawyers to file fresh bail application
Lawyers representing journalist Hopewell Chin’ono on 7 August 2020 said they will be making a fresh application for bail following denial of his appeal for bail by High Court judge Justice Tawanda Chitapi.
Update: High Court judge denies journalist Chin’ono’s bail
High Court judge on 6 August 2020 dismissed journalist Hopewell Chin’ono’s appeal for bail saying the appellant had failed to prove any misdirection of fact, law or both by the magistrate that denied him bail.
Zimlive editor’s nephew appears before magistrates’ court as ordered
Tawanda Muchehiwa nephew to ZimLive editor Mduduzi Mathuthu appeared before the magistrate’s court in Bulawayo in compliance with the directive by a High Court judge.
Fresh assault on digital rights and expression in Tanzania
The Tanzanian government has banned organising or supporting any form of demonstrations online and ordered citizens not to share information about the spread of the COVID 19 pandemic in the country.