By James Mutasa

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has condemned actions aimed at intimidating and silencing journalists in Zimbabwe and calls for the immediate and unconditional release of Blessed Mhlanga of Newsday Publishers of the Alpha Media Holdings.

Mhlanga was arrested by the authorities in Zimbabwe on 25 February, and remanded in custody until 14 March, when he will reappear in Court facing charges of of “Contravening Section 136 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, which relates to the transmission of data messages inciting violence or damage to property”.

IFJ Journalist joins its affiliate the Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ) in condemning Blessed Mhlanga According to local media reports, Blessed Mhlanga was charged with two counts

Mhlanga was arrested and charged in relation to an interview that he granted to war veteran, Blessing Geza, member of the former ruling party, the Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front (ZANU PF) Central Committee.  Journalist Blessed Mhlanga conducted two interviews with Blessing Geza on 27 January and 11 February. During the interview, the Geza asserted that current President, Emmerson Mnangagwa “had failed and must step down immediately”. He also vowed to call for a nationwide shutdown to force Mnangagwa’s exit.

IFJ General Secretary, Anthony Bellanger said that freedom of expression and media freedom are fundamental rights that enhance democracy and must be respected everywhere.  “Journalist Blessed Mhlanga has committed no crime and his arrest and detention is a travesty of justice. Intimidating and harassing journalists and the media in general with vague and rogue criminal charges that undermine their constitutional rights only leads to self- censorship, which has a negative effect on quality journalism”. Zimbabwe must respect its obligations in defending media freedom.

The IFJ calls on the authorities in Zimbabwe to drop all charges against Blessed Mhlanga and to release him immediately and unconditionally. The authorities in Zimbabwe must endeavour to move away from its past media repression era and forge ahead with the creation of a conducive environment for the media to flourish.

Blessed Mhlanga and his lawyer, Chris Mhike appeared in court to file for a bail application on 25 February, which was postponed until two days later. On 28 February, the journalist finally reappeared in court for his bail application. However, he was denied bail and remanded in custody until 14 March.

According to his lawyer Chris Mhike, the charges are unjustified. “We made the point in court that this amounts to harassment of the media. Under Section 50 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe every accused person is entitled to be released on his/ her initial appearance at court, except when there are compelling reasons, justifying the conditions of detention”, he told the media. He added that if practicing journalism is deemed to be a problem then there is a huge issue that must be rectified by the justice delivery system.

The Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ) expressed in a statement that the continued use of the Codification and Reform Act to criminalise legitimate journalistic activity is a gross violation of fundamental human rights. We want to be equivocally clear, journalism is not a crime. Providing a platform for diverse views from diverse members of our body politic and the generality of our citizens can surely not constitute a crime of incitement”.