The International
Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today has vigorously condemned the arrest of
two journalists in Zimbabwe. According to Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ)
Dumisani Muleya, editor of the private Zimbabwe Independent and reporter
Owen Gagare were arrested on Tuesday 7 May 2013 and charged with publishing
falsehoods. They were released from police custody but rejected the charges
against them.
“We call on
authorities in Zimbabwe to drop the charges against the two colleagues and
improve the law so as to ensure full freedom of expression in the country,”
said Gabriel Baglo, IFJ Africa Director.
According
to the Zimbabwe Independent Newspaper some Army Generals loyal to
President Robert Mugabe were reported to have engaged negotiations with representatives
of Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai's Movement for Democratic Change (MDC)
prior to the forthcoming elections this year. The Newspaper stated that the
talks were to prevent political instability in the country if Tsvangirai wins
the elections. The army has publicly denied speaking to MDC’s officials.
The IFJ is concerned
about the safety of journalists in the run up to the upcoming elections
and the political situation in Zimbabwe, and warns authorities of their responsibility
to ensure the security of journalists.
For more information,
please contact IFJ on + 221 33 867 95 86/87
The IFJ represents more
than 600.000 journalists in 134 countries