Special Issue Brief: Zimbabwe elections a roller coaster ride between compromise and control
Reyhana Masters shares an in-depth look at the politically charged landscape and obstacles to free expression and access to information in the lead-up to Zimbabwe’s elections, featuring commentary by key stakeholders.
ACHPR Special Rapporteur engages Zimbabwe’s President on ‘Patriot Bill’
Commissioner Gerveesha Topsy-Sonoo voiced concern that the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Amendment Bill will curtail numerous rights.
Zimbabwe’s recently passed law signals disturbing crackdown
The Patriot Act as it more commonly referred to, severely limits Zimbabweans’ rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association.
Zimbabwe’s uneven electoral landscape
Authorities are using the country’s data protection laws to deny access to the digital voters roll claiming that the online version is susceptible to manipulation.
Zimbabwean business publication threatened
Head of Zimbabwe’s National Social Security Authority turns to police to take action against weekly after accusing publication of defamation.
MISA prioritises safety of journalists prior to Zimbabwean elections
The MISA Zimbabwe national director highlighted that previous elections were marked by increases in attacks against journalists and it was imperative that measures be put in place to ensure the safety of media workers during the electoral period.
MISA seeks clarity from Zimbabwe Electoral Commission
Citing constitutional guarantees, executive director of MISA-Zimbabwe engages country’s electoral management body over journalists being blocked from accessing voter registration centres.
Artistic freedom under assault in Zimbabwe
Celebrated musician Winky D, who sings about the economic meltdown in Zimbabwe, is pulled off stage by police mid-show.
States in Southern Africa cracking down on free expression online
Countries in the SADC region are being urged to take a human rights based approach when crafting cybersecurity and cybercrime legislation.
Zimbabwe government tries to justify shutting down the internet
Government spokesperson says Zimbabwe could shut down the internet for security reasons, but MISA points out that such action could threaten the physical safety of citizens.
Journalists in Somalia, Zimbabwe, and Nigeria faced increasing attacks in October
According to IPI’s October press freedom violations factsheet the majority of attacks on journalists were perpetrated in Zimbabwe, Nigeria and Somalia.
Continued barring of Zimbabwe’s private media condemned
After Zimbabwean journalists are blocked from covering yet another national occasion, MISA calls out the state for unconstitutionally excluding private media outlets from critical event.
Journalist forced to delete footage
Members of Zimbabwe’s intelligence organisation and party supporters attack journalist Godwin Mangudya while he tries to cover a ruling party meeting.
Journalists barred from covering Zimbabwean state house event
In recent weeks, Zimbabwean journalists from certain media houses were excluded from covering ruling party and government related events.