The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today called for the release of Davison Maruziva, the editor of a privately owned weekly The Standard, who has been arrested and charged with "false statements prejudicial to the state and contempt of court" after his paper published an opinion piece by a leading opposition politician.

"We are outraged that the media continue to be the scapegoats of the Zimbabwe government in the country's crisis," said Gabriel Baglo, Director of the IFJ Africa Office. "We call on the authorities to release Maruziva immediately and to drop all the baseless charges against him and the other media workers who have been arrested since the March elections."

According to a story run on the pro-opposition newspaper's website, Maruziva faced charges over an April 20 piece by Arthur Mutambara, leader of a splinter faction of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC).

In the piece, Mutambara sharply criticised Mugabe for his handling of the general election. He also accused the government of intimidation and questioned its right to stay in office.

Two other Zimbabwean journalists who were being held were released this week.

Reuters photographer Howard Burditt, who was detained for three days for allegedly using a satellite phone to send pictures, was released on bail today. Burditt, a Zimbabwean national was covering the aftermath of the country's elections, when he was arrested and jailed on Monday. In a statement, Reuters said the company "has long had a legitimate and fully accredited bureau in Harare, and has always complied with Zimbabwean regulations with the aim of accurately reporting the news."

Freelance journalist Frank Chikowore was released on bail on Monday after more than two weeks in jail after being charged with "public violence." 

At least 10 foreign and Zimbabwean media workers have been detained since the March 29 election. Many foreign journalists have been denied access to the country and the IFJ fears that local journalists will feel more and more of the pressure as President Robert Mugabe tries to stay in power.

For more information contact the IFJ: +221 33 842 01 43   
The IFJ represents over 600,000 journalists in 120 countries