Journalists call for relaxation of media laws
Providence Moyo
Zimbabwe joined the rest of the World in commemorating World Press Freedom Day with journalists and media stakeholders calling for relaxation of media laws in the Southern African region.
In a statement, Media Institute for Southern African (MISA), deplored the increasing infringement on the right to freedom of expression and freedom of the media through legal frameworks that are enacted by different African countries.
“Media freedom and freedom of expression are increasingly facing challenges in Southern Africa as countries in the region enact laws that have an adverse effect on these rights, in the last decade, the region had made tremendous effort in improving legislative media environment with access to information enshrined in the constitution in most countries but still laws are being enacted to hinder access.”
The Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ) said both journalists and the public are still struggling to access information from government and ministries.
“When journalism is compromised, human rights cannot be protected. A free media reporting on issues of interest to the public is a key building block any rights-respecting society, however, despite the government’s expressed commitment to improving fundamental issues to do with freedom and access to information, the situation on the ground is still shaky which is a source of serious concern,” said ZUJ.
In its own statement, the Voluntary Media Council of Zimbabwe (VMCZ ) emphasised the need to have a free media terrain as the country prepares for elections.
“The year 2022 saw the country witnessing an increase in the number of violations against journalists. Media development agencies recorded numerous cases where journalists were assaulted, threatened, harassed at political gatherings and rallies while others were also barred from reporting on national events.Other cases involve the arrest and assaulting of journalists in line of work by the security forces.”
Zimbabwe has enacted the Data Protection Act. Botswana has enacted the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act, Mozambique has the Social Communications Law which are legal frameworks that criminalize falsehoods and media practitioners fear stringent censorship .
This years commemorations are being held under the theme “Shaping a future of rights, Freedom of expression as a driver of all other human rights.
