Zimbabwe: Daily News journalists shot and injured in Harare

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joined its affiliate, the Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ) in condemning the shooting of two journalists by the police in Harare.

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joined its affiliate, the Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ) in condemning the shooting of two journalists by the police in Harare.Daily News Senior reporter, Mugove Tafirenyika and photojournalists Brighton Goko were shot on 29 August while covering the demonstrations that have rocked Harare.  The journalists were hit when police fired indiscriminately in to the crowd. Both journalists were rushed to a private hospital. ZUJ, Secretary General, Foster Dongozi condemned the police for targeting journalists.  “It is beginning to look like any police officer who beats up or shoots any journalist is given some form of reward in the form of salary increment or a promotion”.  The attacks on journalists, he said, have become an epidemic. IFJ General Secretary, Anthony Bellanger said “the targeting and shooting of journalists who are covering demonstrations is unacceptable.“Journalists have a fundamental role to play in the democratic process especially during the entire election process. Such unwarranted acts of aggression by the police can only be seen as an acts of intimidation designed to silence the media. The IFJ calls on the Government of Zimbabwe to respect the fundamental rights of journalists and conduct an independent investigation and to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice".

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