The International Federation of Journalists and its regional group the
Federation of African Journalists have added their voices to protests in
Zimbabwe following the arrest and harassment of journalists covering political
events in the run up to elections and a major referendum on constitutional
issues.
"Feelings
are running high and there is political tension," said Aidan White, IFJ General
Secretary, "but that must not lead to intimidation of journalists who are
trying to cover high-profile events in an independent and professional manner."
The IFJ comments follow statements by the
Zimbabwe Union of Journalists, ZUJ and the Southern Africa Journalists, SAJA,
which condemned the conduct of the Zimbabwe Republic Police for arresting two
journalists, Nkosana Dlamini and Anderson Manyere on Saturday while covering
the constitutional outreach process. The two journalists who have been
accredited with the Zimbabwe Media Commission were detained overnight in police
cells. They were released on Sunday and are facing charges of being a
'criminal nuisance'.
"It is
nonsense to define normal journalistic activity as a nuisance," said Gabriel
Baglo, IFJ Africa Director on behalf of the Federation of Africa Journalists.
"Journalists must be able to cover the unfolding drama of political change in
Zimbabwe without being subject to any form of pressure."
Fears over the dangers facing journalists covering Zimbabwe's turbulent
political scene were further raised on Saturday when Sydney Saize, a freelance
journalist, was beaten up while attending a Zanu PF fundraising function in
Mutare. Saize, who was injured in the attack and is currently under media
treatment, said he was robbed of US$50, a press card, a mobile phone and
recording equipment.
The IFJ and FAJ support local calls for the authorities to conduct awareness
campaigns within the police force on the operations of the media. The IFJ also
warns that Zimbabwe's political leaders must intervene to calm the
situation as tension mounts in advance of an anticipated referendum on
constitutional reform and elections. "All political parties and state authorities
must do their utmost to allow journalists to work freely and without
interference," said White. "If this does not happen Zimbabwe's movement towards
democratic reform will be impeded."
For more information, please contact
IFJ on + 32 2 235 22 00
The IFJ represents more than
600.000 members in 125 countries
