Courage Dutiro
As the world marks the 30th World Press Freedom Day, Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Zimbabwe Chairperson Golden Maunganidze in a press statement said the safety of journalists and freedom of expression faces an onslaught from ‘enemies of a free press’.
This year’s May 3 commemorations are running under the theme Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of expression as a driver for all other human rights.
In his speech for the 30th world Freedom day, Maunganidze said the shrinking of press freedom space is a drawback on other human rights.
“In celebrating this year’s World Press Freedom Day (WPFD), UNESCO notes that media freedom, the safety of journalists and freedom of expression has been under attack, thereby impacting the realisation of other human rights,” said Maunganidze.
Maunganidze also said this year’s anniversary is an equally important event for Zimbabwe which is going to hold its harmonized elections on a soon to be proclaimed date.
“It is also an equally important event for Zimbabwe which will be holding its general elections, of which freedom of expression (online and offline), media freedom and access to information are vital in assisting citizens in making informed decisions and choices,” he said.
He added that deepening and entrenching freedom of expression and media freedom in Zimbabwe, as provided for under Section 61 of the Constitution, will go a long way in ensuring that citizens enjoy other rights enshrined in the Bill of Rights.
In 2022, the country witnessed an increase in the number of journalists that were assaulted, threatened and harassed at political gatherings and rallies, while others were also barred from covering national events.
In other cases, journalists face unlawful arrests and assaults by police while conducting their lawful professional duties.
He also said after holding nationwide engagements in partnership with the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and MISA Zimbabwe’s alliance partners under the auspices of the Media Alliance of Zimbabwe, no reports have been recorded of media violations.
