Zimbabwean Journalist Arrested for Interviewing Opposition Figure

Zimbabwean journalist Blessed Mhlanga was arrested and charged with inciting violence and damage to property after conducting interviews with a former ruling party member, Blessing Geza. Geza, a member of the Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front (ZANU PF) Central Committee, asserted during the interviews that President Emmerson Mnangagwa had failed and must step down immediately. He also vowed to call for a nationwide shutdown to force Mnangagwa’s exit.

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 was denied bail and remanded in custody until 14 March. Mhlanga's lawyer argued that the charges were unjustified and that the journalist's arrest and detention amounted to harassment of the media. He also stated that the continued use of the Codification and Reform Act to criminalise legitimate journalistic activity was a gross violation of fundamental human rights.

The Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ) and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) have expressed their concern over the arrest and detention of Blessed Mhlanga. They argue that freedom of expression and media freedom are fundamental rights that enhance democracy and must be respected everywhere. 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.

The arrest and detention of Blessed Mhlanga highlights the ongoing challenges faced by journalists and media outlets in Zimbabwe, where press freedom remains limited and the government often suppresses dissenting voices. The Zimbabwe Media Commission Act, 2020, which established the Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC), is an example of the government's attempts to control the media. The ZMC has the power to investigate and take disciplinary action against media practitioners who are found to have breached any law or any code of conduct applicable to them. However, the ZMC has been criticized for not being independent and for not effectively promoting press freedom. The government has also been known to use other means, such as arrests and detentions, to silence critical voices in the media.

The continued use of the Codification and Reform Act to criminalise legitimate journalistic activity is a gross violation of fundamental human rights. Journalism is not a crime, and 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. Zimbabwe must respect its obligations in defending media freedom and create a conducive environment for the media to flourish.