The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today has expressed serious concerns on the security of journalists in Zimbabwe ahead of the July presidential election.  The Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ), an IFJ affiliate has documented several cases of attacks against journalists and press freedom. “We call on authorities in Zimbabwe to protect journalists and promote press freedom as guaranteed by the country’s Constitution,” said Gabriel Baglo, IFJ Africa Director. “Journalists must not be sacrificed by political groups during the upcoming polls”. These elections are crucial for the country’s stability and are due to take place on July 31, though the opposition wants them in August. On 7 May 2013 Dumisani Muleya, editor of the Zimbabwe Independent and reporter Owen Gagare were arrested and charged with publishing falsehoods. They were released from police custody but rejected the charges against them. This was followed in June by the brief detention of journalist Mashudu Netsianda, reporter for the state-owned Chronicle, and the attack against journalists Herbert Moyo, and Bernard Mapwanyire. On June 14, non identified men abducted Paul Pindani, a freelance journalist. ZUJ said that the freelance journalist’s attackers were wearing masks when they were committing the assault. The IFJ believes that all the motives of these attacks are political and closely related to the upcoming elections. “These attacks must be investigated and their perpetrators brought to court”, Baglo added.  For more information, pleasecontact IFJ on + 221 33 867 95 86/87The IFJ represents more than 600.000journalists in 134 countries