The editor of the private weekly newspaper Zimbabwe Independent, Faith Zaba, was detained on 1 July in Harare over a satirical column. Zaba was charged with “undermining the authority of the President” on 2 July and remains in custody. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joins its affiliate, the Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ), in condemning this outrageous abuse of power aimed solely at intimidating and silencing the media.
Faith Zaba’s satirical column entitled Muckraker, published on 27 June, mocked Zimbabwe’s role as chair of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), describing the regional bloc as a “trade union of dictators.”
In a statement issued by ZUJ, the union denounced it as “a clear case of criminalising journalism” over editorial content. “Satirical commentary - whether critical or humorous - is protected speech and should not be criminalised,” ZUJ said.
According to ZUJ, Faith Zaba is suffering from a serious illness and was held overnight despite medical confirmation of her condition. Similar concerns were expressed by lawyer Chris Mhike.
“We stand with Zaba and with every journalist in Zimbabwe who works fearlessly to inform the public and uphold the principles of truth, justice and objectivity,” ZUJ added.
IFJ General Secretary Anthony Bellanger called the arrest and detention of Faith Zaba “an act of intimidation by the police intended to undermine press freedom and silence journalists.” He added: “Satirical comments are protected under freedom of expression and cannot be criminalised, especially in a democratic state like Zimbabwe, whose Constitution guarantees freedom of expression and media freedom. We demand Faith Zaba’s immediate release.”
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