Decide Nhendo
MASVINGO based legal practitioner Yolanda Chandata of Muzenda and Partners law firm has pledged free legal services to journalists who are arrested in their line of duty.
Chandata gave the pledge while addressing Masvingo scribes at a workshop on advanced election reporting workshop organized by the Zimbabwe Union of Journalists at TellZim News Offices recently.
Speaking at the event, Chandata said the work of journalists is so important especially on elections as they play a critical role in facilitating a platform of engagement between politicians and the electorate.
She said journalists should be free to carry out their duties without interference saying if they face any challenge which warrant legal services in line of their work she was at their disposal to offer services for free.
“Journalists play an important role and they should not be victimized for doing their work. So if you face any challenges that need legal services, I am at your disposal so don’t hesitate to come to me as long as you are prosecuted in line of your work,” Chandata said.
She however urged journalists to have knowledge of the laws which govern how they work so that they will not be arrested without breaking any law.
“You media practitioners have to know the laws that govern how you work, you have to know your rights as journalists so that you defend yourselves when persecuted,” said Chandata.
On elections she said journalists should know what the law allows them to do at polling stations to avoid unnecessary problems with law enforcement agents.
“Always carry your valid press cards and always wear jackets labelled media for easy identification, be ethical and non-partisan. Know your limits and avoid unnecessary inconveniences,” she said.
Commenting on the development, ZUJ Masvingo Chairperson Brighton Chiseva said journalists deserve all the help they can get in doing their work and Chandata’s pledge was most welcome.
