Reporters Advocate Freedom of Expression for Democracy

 “Consistent with Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the establishment, maintenance and fostering of an independent, pluralistic and free press is essential to the development and maintenance of democracy in a nation and for economic development.” – Quoted from Declaration of Windhoek

May 3rd is World Press Freedom Day adopted by the United Nations to commemorate the Declaration of Windhoek drafted by African journalists in 1991 to develop the principle of the freedom of press. In this year the annual commemoration seeks “Media’s Role in Advancing Peaceful, Just and Inclusive Societies” by UNESCO in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Freedom of Press and Social Development

Press freedom and the Social Progress Index
 ‘Press Freedom and Development’ by the Center for Peace and Human Security points out that freedom of the press and a good government are interrelated to each other and “promote the economy and development of the state.”

Suppression of the Press and Violation of
Journalists’ Rights

Amnesty International states that “Journalists in many African countries who cover the articles on corruption and violation against human rights are being threatened. This is the very reason why press freedom is rising to the surface.” The organisation further emphasised that the government should create an environment where a journalist can perform their duty without feeling threatened, pressurized or fear.

“Journalism is one of the professions that are most exposed to threats, and this is especially true for female journalists. This constitutes a threat not only to women and quality journalism but also to freedom of expression, equality and democracy,” says Sweden’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Margot Wallström, greeting the World Press Freedom Day. She further added to her statement: “We need to work continuously on different levels to ensure that these issues are never forgotten or ignored.”

In Zimbabwe, journalists of Media Institute of South Africa (MISA) Zimbabwe discussed “the approach towards information and basic freedom” on the World Press Freedom Day last year. Regarding the arrest of journalists from the Sunday Mail and NewsDay due to government restriction of information and a libel suit, a freelancer journalist participant Pindai Dube stated, “we even have government officials criticizing some of the media laws but nothing practical has been done.” Thabani Moyo, advocacy officer of the MISA-Zimbabwe also added, “A law exists, which restricts the joy of free media and information access.”

The international organisation to defend freedom of the press, RSF, and international human rights organisation Freedom House, uncovered through a yearly report that the freedom of the press has declined globally.  Stronger dictatorial tendencies in governments around the world and increasing numbers of security issues such as terror and refugees in Europe were given as the reasons. Restrictions on broadcasting, reporting and news coverage through online are under surveillance of government in the name of national security.

In contrast, Sweden, a country of the world’s first press freedom law in 1766, abolished censorship of publications so that citizens are free to read public documents and participate in political discussions. According to Anne Höglund, Ambassador of Sweden to the Republic of Korea, the Swedish Freedom of the Press Act played an important role in shaping the present welfare state that is Sweden, enabling free communication in an open society and national development through the critical inspection of the people.

Activities to Regain Freedom of Press

African countries and journalists have acknowledged the positive effects of freedom of the press, and are engaged in activities to secure it. The Right2Know Campaign which began in South Africa in 2010, has its roots in “release of information” and “freedom of expression,” and is raising its voice to strengthen and unite the rights of citizens to know.  MISA, the West African Journalists Association (with chapters in 16 countries) and the East African Journalists Association have been active as professional watchdog organizations for the freedom of the press as well as expression since the Windhoek Declaration.

International efforts for freedom of press in relation to democracy and peace in the globe have been underway. The Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW), drafted by international law experts and Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL)  under the UN Department of Public Information (DPI), advocates international cooperation for peacebuilding at local, national and international levels.  With its peace initiatives in international law for peace and advocacy campaigns in international organizations, the DPCW addresses the need to establish a global order based on the peaceful resolution of conflicts, ethnic/religious freedom, and spreading a culture of peace. To achieve this, HWPL’s annual peace summit discusses plans of actions with 1,000 global leaders and experts from politics, academia, law, media, religion, women and youth. In the summit this year, journalists and reporters around the world will discuss at the “Forum for Global Peace Media Network – Freedom of Press and International Peace Media Community Initiative”.

The Managing Editor of Syria Daily News Nour Molhem, who participated in the Media Forum held last year, said, “It’s the first time for Syria to work with this kind of peace organization. I really hope to deliver true peace to the people of Syria.” According to RSF statistics, Syria is a country whose press freedom index ranks 177th out of 180 countries; resolution of press suppression and the guarantee of freedom of expression of the press is urgently needed.

 The Managing Editor of Syria Daily News Nour Molhem ‘s Interview at the Media Forum
of the 2nd Annual Commemoration of September 18th World Alliance of Religions’ Peace (WARP) Summit

CHIVHU – A 44-year-old man from Chidumuro village under Chief Chivese, last week appeared in the Chivhu Magistrates Court facing charges of repeatedly his daughter from as far back as 2012.
The accused, who may not be named to protect the victim, is younger brother to a Member of Parliament (MP) and cabinet minister. 
He pleaded not guilty to the rape allegations when he appeared before magistrate Fadzai Mutombeni but was put on remand pending continuation of trial.
Led by Nicholas Mabvongodze, the State charged that on January 25, 2012 at around 22:00 hrs, the man, who was represented by his lawyer Admire Rubaya, entered the complainant’s bedroom where he closed the mouth of the girl and raped her once.
It is alleged that from that day onwards, the man raped the girl, who is now 17-years-old and is attending a local secondary school, several times in the same bedroom using the same method up until April 2017.
The State also alleges that on May 7 this year, the girl went to Harare for the school holidays where she picked up courage and divulged the alleged rape to her uncle.
The uncle then accompanied the girl to Borrowdale Police Station where she filed a police report two days later.
In another case, a Featherstone man appeared before the same court for allegedly raping a 15-year-old speech-impaired teenager.
Knowledge Dziva, of Dziva viallge under Chief Nyoka, was charged with raping the girl in April this year.
Prosecutor Nicholas Mabvongodze alleged that on April 14, 2017, Dziva visited the complainant’s homestead and got into the kitchen where he began to share traditional beer with the girl’s grandfather, who is blind and deaf due to old age.
Dziva allegedly took advantage of the old man who was quickly getting drunk and dragged the girl to the main house where he raped her on a sofa.
Unbeknown to Dziva, a villager identified as Blessing Makova had seen him dragging the girl to the main house and had alerted other villagers who then gathered around the house and apprehended him.
The girl allegedly failed to explain what had happened and the attacker was left scot free until May 13 when she disclosed the ordeal to a Constable Mafaindi.
Dziva was not asked to plead but was placed on remand waiting to appear in the Chivhu Magistrates Court this week.local

Nashe Mahachi

CHIPINGE – In a horrific incident that left the Maunganidze villagers of Chipinge shell shocked, a 44-year-old man allegedly burnt his two children to death.
The incident happened recently in Maunganidze village under Chief Mutema.
Fashion Mupakati (44) is said to have had a misunderstanding with his wife Precious Kadumbu sometimes in May and that led to the arson attack many weeks later.
Manicaland provincial police spokesperson Inspector Tavhiringwa Kakohwa confirmed the incident and added that Mupakati was at large.
“We are appealing to anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Mupakati to report to any nearest police station.
“As police, we urge families to solve their differences amicably and avoid unnecessary deaths. They can seek counseling from us and from any elderly family members,” said Inspector Kakohwa.
Kadumbu is said to have left the homestead to an unknown destination leaving behind the three juveniles in custody of their father.
On the fateful day, a neighbour identified as Prisca Tomu discovered that the house in which the three children were sleeping was on fire and she rushed to the scene to investigate.
Upon arrival, she heard the three children crying for help. The door was locked from outside. Prisca then alerted other villagers who broke the door and managed to rescue one of the children, Tanaka (12).
Tanaka sustained severe burns and was battling for his life at Birchenough Hospital by the time of writing.
The other two, Trish and Trinity were burnt to death. After committing the offence, Fashion fled from the scene and he was still at large by the time of writing.local