Suppression of Journalism in Zimbabwe
Journalism is increasingly treated as a crime in Zimbabwe, with state surveillance, arrests, and detentions creating a climate of fear in newsrooms.
The Zimbabwean government, under President Emmerson Mnangagwa, has introduced legislation to restrict reporting on corruption and hold the state accountable.
- Several high-profile journalists have been arrested and charged, including Faith Zaba, editor of the Zimbabwe Independent.
- Blessed Mhlanga, head of Heart and Soul Television, and Alpha Media Holdings editor-in-chief, Kholwani Nyathi, have also been targeted.
Editors are self-censoring to protect their organisations, which may make it harder to secure vital donor funding.
This new law will bring investigative journalism under direct state control, having a chilling effect on the industry.
Author's summary: Zimbabwe suppresses journalism with arrests and laws.