News and press statements
Journalist Chin’ono denied bail yet again
Journalist Hopewell Chin’ono was on 24 August 2020 denied bail yet again following his fresh bail application on the basis of changed circumstances.
Bail ruling for journalist Chin’ono reserved to Monday
Harare Magistrate Ngoni Nduna on 20 August 2020 reserved ruling in the fresh bail application by journalist Hopewell Chin’ono to Monday, 24 August 2020.
Lawyer Mtetwa barred from representing journalist Chin’ono
Harare magistrate Ngoni Nduna on 18 August 2020 disqualified lawyer Beatrice Mtetwa from representing journalist Hopewell Chin’ono who is in custody on charges of inciting public violence.
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.