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Ugandan Government Taxes Social Media Users, Threat to Internet Rights

Felicia Anthonio
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The African Freedom of Expression Exchange (AFEX) has learnt with disappointment the passage of the Excise Duty (Amendment) Bill, 2018 which seeks to tax social media as well as mobile money usage in Uganda.

On May 30, 2018, Parliament passed into law the controversial Excise Duty (Amendment) Bill despite strong protests from critics as an attempt to stifle Internet freedom and online expression in the country. The law which will take effect on July 1, 2018 will require users of over-the-top (OTP) platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram in Uganda to pay a mandatory daily levy of 200 Ugandan Shillings (about $0.05 cents).

The passage of the law is an enforcement of President Yoweri Museveni’s warnings in April this year that he was going to tax social media usage as such platforms are used to promote ‘gossip” in the country. Similarly, in 2016, the government shut down social media platforms on two occasions during the country’s elections. At the time, President Museveni accused Ugandans of using these networks to “to spread lies.”

AFEX member, Human Rights Network for Journalists in Uganda (HRNJ-U) has condemned the law as an affront to enjoyment of digital rights.

According to Moses Magoola, Programme Manager at HRNJ-U, the underlying objective in the passing of this law is to stifle free expression rights of millions of Ugandans who increasingly depend on online tools to communicate.

“The tax is not coming in place to deliver a service but to control and deter people from expressing themselves especially on civic and political matters,” Magoola said. “The measure is to disable citizen mobilization and communication on matters of national importance.”

 While the Museveni-led government argues that the new taxes on social media usage will generate revenue for the Pearl of Africa nation, AFEX believes it is a systematic attempt of censoring numerous Ugandans who may not be able to afford the new daily levy. With the new regulation, Ugandans will spend about USD 1.5 a month in accessing these platforms. Thus, the law will further widen the digital gap that exists in Uganda. Only 31% of Uganda’s over 44 million populations have access to the internet as at 2017.

The adoption of this law is a breach of Uganda’s obligations under national, regional and international standards and frameworks to uphold freedom of expression. Comparatively, Ugandan is the only country that seems to have passed such a legislation which sets a negative precedent for other countries on the continent.

AFEX reiterates the essential role of the Internet and social media platforms in advancing freedom of expression and participatory governance globally. It is therefore sad to see the government of Uganda putting in place measures to restrict more Ugandans from coming online.

We call on President Museveni to withdraw the taxes and rather consider investing in the sector to ensure that all Ugandans have access to affordable, reliable and open Internet.

Minister Assaults NewsDay Journalist

Felicia Anthonio
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This statement was originally published on zimbabwe.misa.org on May 26, 2018.

Senior journalist with the NewsDay, Blessed Mhlanga was verbally assaulted by deputy minister of Finance and Member of Parliament (MP), Terrence Mukupe. The assault took place on the evening of 24 May during a live broadcast of Focus, a current affairs programme aired on SFM, a local radio station. Mhlanga and Mukupe were in the studio to discuss a story published in the NewsDay on the 23rd of May. In that story, the newspaper quoted the deputy minister as having said that members of the military would not recognise Chamisa as President if he were to win the upcoming general elections. This story was based on a video recording of the deputy minister speaking at a Zanu PF cell meeting held in Mandara, Harare earlier this week.

The heated discussion resulted in Mukupe allegedly verbally assaulting the NewsDay scribe and at the same time standing up in an attempt to assault him physically. At that point, Mrs Mhlanga who had accompanied her husband to the studio began to record the unfolding events on her mobile phone. This allegedly further angered the deputy minister who ordered his two aides to seize Mrs Mhlanga’s cell phone; it was during this tussle that Mrs Mhlanga was physically assaulted and her jacket torn.

Mhlanga proceeded to report the matter at Highlands Police Station and a docket numbered RRB 35337572 was opened. The deputy minister also filed a police report of assault against the couple.

MISA Zimbabwe Position

The assault of the journalists is of grave concern more so when this violence is instigated by public officials such as the deputy minister. MISA Zimbabwe condemns the alleged assault with the contempt it deserves. These wanton assaults cannot be allowed to continue with impunity as they undermine the constitutional role of the media in entrenching democracy through performing its normative forth estate role.

We implore the President, government and other state security agents to ensure the safety and security of journalists conducting their lawful professional duties. As Zimbabwe heads towards national elections, it is imperative for journalists to be able to carry out their work without fear of assault at the hands of public officials. Even during election season, media freedoms enshrined in Section 61(2) of the Constitution still stand.  We have said it before and will repeat it now, journalism is not a crime.

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AFEX Denounces Increased Attacks on Online Expression in Somaliland

Felicia Anthonio
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AFEX Denounces Increased Attacks on Online Expression in Somaliland

Authorities in Somaliland should refrain from harassing journalists and individuals for exercising their fundamental rights to freedom of expression online. The African Freedom of Expression Exchange (AFEX) deplores the arbitrary arrest and detention of local journalist, Adam Jama Oogle aka Habeb.

According to AFEX member in Somalia, the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ), police on May 14, 2018, arrested Oogle from his home based in Las Anod, the administrative capital of the Sool region in Somaliland. The journalist was arrested upon the orders of regional governor of Sool, Abdi Hayre Dirir after he made comments on Facebook in which he indicated that the people were in support of Somaliland’s unity with Somalia. These comments obviously infuriated the officials the region.

NUSOJ also indicated in a statement published today (May 16, 2018) that the regional administration in Sool reportedly demanded that Oogle’s family signs a bond that the journalist will not publish such post again.  However, the family refused as it would lead to self-censoring the journalist.

AFEX deplores the persecuting of journalists and citizens for exercising their legitimate right to freedom of expression online as unacceptable and a deliberate attempt by authorities in Somaliland to silence dissent.

The Internet and social media platforms have become essential as they have given true meaning to the millions of people in Africa to “seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds regardless of frontiers,” as intended by the framers of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). We there call on Somaliland authorities to ensure that citizens’ rights to freedom of speech are protected both offline and online.

AFEX joins NUSOJ to demand the unconditional release of Adam Jama Oogle. We also continue to denounce the increasing incidents of attacks on journalists, human rights activists and individuals by authorities in Somaliland.

Update: Jailed Somaliland Poet and Activist Granted Presidential Pardon

Felicia Anthonio
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Update: Jailed Somaliland Poet and Activist Granted Presidential Pardon

Somaliland president, Muse Bihi has ordered the release of Naima Ahmed, a young poet and activist who was sentenced to three years in prison.

According to local media, Naima Ahmed was granted presidential pardon after her family petitioned president Bihi for amnesty. She was released from Gabiley prison on May 7, 2018, where she served 23 days of her 3-year sentence.

Local human rights outfit, Human Rights Journalists (HRJ) in a statement issued on the same day welcomed the release of the young poet by the Somaliland authorities.

Last month, authorities in Somaliland sentenced Ahmed to three years in jail for publicly proclaiming that Somaliland was a part of the Republic of Somalia. The court found her statements “insulting and defamatory against the state.” Somaliland is a self-declared independent state in the Republic of Somalia. Naima was arrested at Hargeisa Airport on January 27, 2018 upon her return from Mogadishu. She was remanded into custody until April 15, 2018 when she was sentenced. She served 23 days of her 3-year sentence.

While the African Freedom of Expression Exchange (AFEX) joins HRJ to welcome the release of the young activist, we want to use this medium to reiterate that there is an urgent need for authorities in Somaliland to safeguard freedom of expression rights of citizens. It is unfortunate that citizens risk being sentenced to jail for exercising their fundamental rights to free express which is enshrined in the country’s constitution as well as regional and international frameworks.

Freedom of speech has been under attack in Somaliland recently. Authorities continue to use its penal code to repress free speech in the country. Within the last one month, authorities in Somaliland sentenced three persons on defamation/libel charges.

On April 16, 2018, Mohamed Kayse to 18 months in jail for a Facebook post in which he described the president Somaliland as “a local president.” Similarly, exactly 10 days later , on April 26, a court in Hargeisa  sentenced a clan chief, Boqor Osman Buur Madow to five years in prison for utterances authorities claimed defied the independence of Somaliland. Both Mohamed and Boqor Osman remain in custody.

Clearly all these cases involve citizens legitimately expressing harmless opinions about public matters. Their incarceration for exercising this democratic right therefore amounts to a crackdown on press freedom rights.

AFEX reitirates its appeal to Somaliland’s authorities to protect and respect the freedom of expression rights of its citizenry by releasing Mohamed and Boqor as a sign of their commitments to upholding the democratic principles of the country.

We also call on authorities to repeal the outdated penal code which is increasingly used to harass and intimidate journalists, activists and individuals in the country.

Violation of Freedom of Expression Rights: Somaliland Jails Activist, Citizen

Felicia Anthonio
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Violation of Freedom of Expression Rights: Somaliland Jails Activist, Citizen

A provincial court in Hargeisa, a city in Somaliland, Somalia’s self-declared republic has sentenced an activist and a civilian to three years and 18 months in jail  respectively for comments deemed libelous by authorities.

Human Rights Journalists (HRJ), a local organisation in Somalia reported that Naima Ahmed, a young poet and activist was sentenced to three years in prison for publicly proclaiming that Somaliland is part of the Republic of Somalia. Authorities found her statements “insulting and defamatory against the state.” Naima was arrested at Hargeisa Airport on January 27, 2018 upon her return from Mogadishu. She was remanded into custody until April 15, 2018 when she was sentenced. .

Similarly, the court on April 16, 2018 sentenced Mohamed Kayse to 18 months in prison for libel. The presiding judge accused Kayse of offending the honour of Somaliland president, Musse Bihi in a Facebook post in which he described the president as “a local president” while indeed he is a “national president.” Kayse was arrested on February 8, 2017.

The sentencing of Kayse and Ahmed for exercising their fundamental rights to freedom of expression that is guaranteed in the Somaliland constitution is worrying.

The Human Rights Journalists (HRJ) in a statement issued on April 16, 2018 condemned both sentences as a threat to press freedom.

“The rulings made by Hargeisa court yesterday and today is a disturbing setback for Somaliland’s hard-won freedom of expression,” said HRJ Chairman Ismail Sheikh Khalifa. “This guilty verdict sends the wrong message to people of Somaliland. The right to freedom of expression and press freedom are enshrined in Somaliland constitution, so people should never be jailed for their opinions.”

AFEX expresses concern over the continued restriction limiting of press freedom space in  Somaliland and call on authorities in the country to uphold press freedom rights of citizens both offline and online. Condemning citizens to prison for expressing their opinions has serious implications for citizens’ freedom of expression rights and for democracy.

AFEX joins HRJ to denounce the sentencing of Kayse and Ahmed. We urge the court to overturn the judgement to enable these young persons to contribute to public intellectual discourse on issues affecting their country and themselves.

Tanzania’s Newly Adopted Electronic and Postal Communication Code is Retrogressive and an Affront to Free Speech – AFEX

Felicia Anthonio
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Tanzania’s Newly Adopted Electronic and Postal Communication Code is Retrogressive and an Affront to Free Speech – AFEX

Despite several calls by civil society and international bodies urging the government of Tanzania to revise or withdraw portions its Electronic and Postal Communications (Online Content) Regulations 2017, the Minister of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, on March 13, 2018, signed the law. This Regulation outlines conditions regarding usage of new media and dealing with online content in a way that is retrogressive and repressive of press freedom.

Sections of the law are vaguely worded and subjective thus they are likely to be abused by authorities in the country. Some of the definitions in the preliminary provisions have words or expressions that are not clearly defined. For example, “indecent content” is defined as any content that is offensive, morally improper and against current standards of accepted behaviour, such as nudity and sex. Additionally, “obscene content” refers to any content which gives rise to a feeling of disgust by reason of lewd portrayal and is essentially offensive to one’s prevailing notion of decency and modesty, with a possibility of having a negative influence and corrupting the mind of those easily influenced.

The African Freedom of Expression Exchange (AFEX) is seriously concerned about the adoption of this law as these definitions among other provisions are vague and could result in a deliberate attempt by authorities to witch hunt critics and silence dissenting voices in the country.

The Electronic and Postal Communications (Online Content) Regulation also grants extensive powers to the Tanzanian Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) to control freedom of expression rights of Tanzanians online. For instance, Part II section 4 (a) of the Electronic and Postal Communications Act allows the TCRA “to keep a register of bloggers, online forums, online radio and online television”; while this could be a mechanism by the government to have a database of online users, this can also be used as a tool to harass and persecute users who are critical of the government.  Section 4 (b) of the same law empowers the Communications regulator to order removal of “prohibited content.”

The law also allows the Regulatory body to filter and identify the sources of information posted online. Persons who contravene the provisions in these regulations are liable to a fine of not less than five million Tanzanian shillings (USD2,200) or to imprisonment for a term of not less than 12 months or to both.

Online content publishers (bloggers, videos etc.) are expected to pay an application fees of TZS 100,000 (USD $44.00), pay an initial licence fees of TZS 1,000,000 (USD $439.7) and an annual licence fees of TZS 1,000,000 (USD $439.7). Asking ordinary citizens to pay a total amount of $923 to run a personal blog in Tanzania is a calculated attempt by the government to repress any form of discourse or criticism from the general public.

If these laws are implemented in their current state, they will seriously undermine freedom of expression online and prevent Tanzanians from fully benefiting from the opportunities the Internet and social media platforms present. The Internet and social media platforms have allowed citizens and organisations to participate in public discourse easily. Bloggers and journalists continue to rely on the internet in order to highlight their works and findings. Therefore, an attempt by the government of Tanzania to monitor and control all activities on the Internet is unacceptable as it can lead to wide spread self-censorship online.

The African Freedom of Expression Exchange (AFEX) is disappointed with the government Tanzania for passing into law such a repressive legislation with clear provisions that could further tighten the country’s already restrictive freedom of expression environment both online and offline.  We appeal to the government to take into account the concerns raised by local and international rights groups and revise the portions of the law that are an affront to free speech.

Click here to read or access Tanzania’s Electronic and Postal Communications (Online Content) Regulation 2017.

MISA launches JournoSOS application

Felicia Anthonio
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MISA launches JournoSOS application

This statement is originally published on zimbabwe.misa.org on April 13, 2018.

MISA Zimbabwe on 13 April 2018 launched its JournoSOS App, a mobile application aimed at enhancing the media freedom lobby organisation’s work in promoting the safety of journalists and media practioners.

The application, which was launched at a breakfast meeting in Harare,  is currently available for devices running on the Android platform.

The event was graced by Police National Spokesperson, Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba and Honourable MP James Maridadi who sits on the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee for Media, Information and Communication Technology and Cybersecurity.

The application is aimed at facilitating the accurate and informed collection of data on various violations experienced by media practitioners in the country. Media practitioners can use the facility by sending records of violations such as Assault, Censorship, Detention, Expulsion and Threats, whenever they occur.

This application also comes with a Call Me Back feature,  which media practitioners can dial when the media violation is of a nature not covered by either of the pre-listed violations.

The Call Me Back feature is linked to MISA Zimbabwe’s  hotline number:  078 443 7338.  These facilities fall under MISA Zimbabwe’s  Media Defence Fund which is there to foster and promote a safe working space for journalists in Zimbabwe.

Once a media practitioner in distress sends a notification of a specific violation, MISA Zimbabwe  will follow this up to verify whether it is a legitimate report or a false alarm. It is important to note that a number of media practitioners working in Zimbabwe are not registered  with MISA Zimbabwe  or any other professional body.

It was therefore, necessary for MISA to open registration for use of the application to people who are not on its membership list. The verification process is essential to ensure that the facility  is not abused or spammed with illegitimate reports on media violations.

This is the first phase of a two-phase project which will culminate in the production and release of a Panic Button App, which is more convenient in times of danger.

Meanwhile, Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba, said the police are also being trained on how to interact with media practitioners, especially as we head into the 2018 elections. These initiatives were aimed at improving relations between the two parties, which she likened to that of “fish and water”.

Honorable Maridadi, who officially launched the application, urged the media to be ethical and fair in their reportage especially where it pertains to stories that have the potential of damaging one’s esteem and dignity.

MISA Zimbabwe Vice Chairperson, Rutendo Mawere, said professional interactions with the police were beginning to yield the desired fruits.

“Allow me to extend our great appreciation to Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba and indeed, the Zimbabwe Republic Police, for their support and co-operation as we work towards securing a safe environment for journalists and media practitioners,” said Mawere.

She said the interactions which followed meetings held with the police in September 2016 and December 2017, had seen the decline in the number of cases involving the assault of journalists while on duty.

Mawere urged the media to be professional at all times, saying this responsibility was even more critical during election time.

“On the other hand, the government should prioritise the implementation of envisaged media reforms ahead of the 2018 elections. This is critical in underpinning the right to media freedom, freedom of expression and the citizens’ right to make informed decisions and choices during the forthcoming elections,” she said.

Mauritania Continues Crackdown on Anti-Slavery Journalism and Activism

Felicia Anthonio
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Mauritania Continues Crackdown on Anti-Slavery Journalism and Activism

This statement was originally published on www.mfwa.org on April 5, 2018.

The authorities in Mauritania have detained and expelled a French-Moroccan photojournalist who was conducting research on slavery.

Seif Kousmate was arrested on March 20, 2018 while he was about to cross the border into Senegal where he was scheduled to take a flight to Morocco.

The photojournalist was detained at the police headquarters in the capital, Nouakchott for three days before being deported to Morroco. The authorities seized his laptop and mobile phone and subjected him to intense interrogation.

He was questioned on many issues including his alleged links with one Biram Dah Abeid, an opposition figure and leader of the anti-slavery movement Initiative pour la Résurgence du Mouvement Abolitionniste.

Although the seized equipment was returned, Kousmate reported that several memory cards containing photos he had taken for his research were withheld.

This recent incident adds to several reported cases of authorities in Mauritania cracking down on anti-slavery advocates and human rights defenders. Although Mauritania officially abolished slavery in 1981 and criminalised it in 2007, modern-day slavery is still practiced and widespread in the country. In 2015,  the government passed a law that increased prison terms for practicing slavery. Also after their Universal Periodic Review in 2015, the state accepted recommendations to promote human rights and increase awareness on the prohibition of slavery. However, there has been very little practical commitment to fulfilling this as there has been more crackdown on anti-slavery activists than the slavery menace itself. In 2016, the state jailed 13 anti-slavery activists under questionable charges.

In May 2017, the authorities expelled a French freelance journalist, Tiphaine Gosse and Marie Foray a human lawyer, on accusation of “working with organisations that are not recognised by the state” – Initiative pour la Résurgence du Mouvement Abolitionniste.

Three months after that, authorities prevented twelve anti-slavery activists from entering the country.

The MFWA is disappointed at the arrest and expulsion of Seif Kousmate and the crackdown on many others who attempt to report on slavery in Mauritania. We would have expected that the Mauritanian government which says it is fighting slavery, will welcome and collaborate with journalists and human rights defenders. We urge the authorities to recognise the important contribution of these two groups in the fight against  slavery in the country.

Chad Plunged into Social Media Blackout: No Government Explanation Forthcoming

Felicia Anthonio
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Chad Plunged into Social Media Blackout: No Government Explanation Forthcoming

Internet users in Chad have been denied access to social media platforms such as Facebook and WhatsApp. The government and service providers have given no reason for the restriction.

The African Freedom of Expression Exchange (AFEX) sources in Chad indicate that Facebook and WhatsApp have been inaccessible via Airtel and Tigo, the two major mobile operators in the country since March 28, 2018.

Our sources have also added that the social media blackout has affected several parts of the country and some people are resorting to the use of virtual private network (VPNs) to access these platforms.

The Managing Director of Airtel Chad, Djibril Tobe did not respond to AFEX’s mail requesting details why these platforms were inaccessible via his network.

However, according to media reports, the two mobile service operators (Airtel and Tigo) said the disruption is as a result of a technical problem. A BBC source has also indicated that authorities in the country ordered mobile service providers to disrupt certain applications and the internet service.

AFEX is seriously concerned about the use of network disruptions to curtail freedom of expression and access to information rights of the Chadian people. This is the second time the Internet and social media platforms have been disrupted this year by the state. Chadian authorities shut down the Internet in January 2018 ahead of scheduled demonstrations backed by civil society groups and trade unions in the country.

Prior to the above mentioned incidents, the Chadian government also shut down the Internet in April 2016 during presidential elections. No official explanation was given.

AFEX appeals to the government of Chad to safeguard online rights of citizens at all times as provided for by Article 27 of its national Constitution and provisions of other regional frameworks to which Chad is signatory . We also call upon the mobile operators in Chad to restore the social media platforms and Internet services to enable citizens continue with their day-to-day online activities.

 

Sierra Leone Joins Global Trend: Shuts Down Internet and Mobile Services during Elections

Felicia Anthonio
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Sierra Leone Joins Global Trend: Shuts Down Internet and Mobile Services during Elections

The government of Sierra Leone has joined the trend of government-mandated Internet shutdowns during important national events such as elections. Several reports show that authorities in the country shut down the Internet and disconnected all mobile communication services after elections ended on March 31, 2018 in the presidential runoff.

According to the Open Observatory Network Interference (OONI), an internet censorship organisation, there was a noticeable decrease in Google Search traffic data on the said date.

There has not been an official communication from the government. However, an election monitoring group, Sierra Leone Decides reported on Sunday (April 1) that Internet Service Providers (ISPs) said the measure was to stop the National Electoral Commission and other bodies from sharing results on the elections with party affiliates.

Increasingly, African governments are using Internet shutdowns to stifle dissent during elections and/or protests, mostly citing the need to ensure “national security” or to prevent the spread of “false information.” Uganda, Chad, Republic of Congo, The Gambia and most recently, Somalia’s self-declared Republic, Somaliland have disconnected the Internet during elections.  On the contrary, Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, Angola and Liberia did not disconnect the Internet during elections.

Other countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Burundi, Chad and Togo have shut down the Internet during protests.

The African Freedom of Expression Exchange (AFEX) condemns the worrying trend of African governments shutting down the Internet during such important national events. The United Nations Human Rights Council in June 2016 unequivocally passed a resolution denouncing countries that “intentionally disrupt citizens’ internet access.”

AFEX reiterates that the Internet is an enabler of other fundamental rights of citizens and plays a central role in promoting citizens’ participation in national discourse to enhance the democratic principles of every country. It is therefore imperative for authorities to on the continent ensure that Internet services are accessible at all times. We implore the Sierra Leonean government to uphold freedom of expression and access to information rights of citizens both online and offline. AFEX also urges ISPs to strictly respect citizens’ rights to freedom of expression and access to information online by demanding court orders or warrants before accepting to shut down the Internet.

23 Radio Stations Shut Down in Uganda for “Promoting Witchcraft”

Felicia Anthonio
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23 Radio Stations Shut Down in Uganda for “Promoting Witchcraft”

The African Freedom of Expression Exchange (AFEX) is saddened by the decision of Uganda Communication Commission (UCC) to shut down 23 radio stations for failing to meet the Commission’s broadcast standards.

The UCC on March 27, 2018, revoked licenses of the radio stations for allegedly promoting witchcraft.

According to the Commission’s spokesperson, Pamela Ankunda, the decision to shut down the stations was taken after the media houses ignored continuous warnings by the UCC against promoting and advertising witchcraft content.

The decision is in line with Article 41 (1 a &b) of the Uganda Communications Act, 2013, which mandates the Commission to suspend and revoke operating license of media houses on the grounds of serious and repeated breach of the license conditions.

The affected radio stations are: Metro FM, Nile FM, Kagadi Broadcasting Services, Emambya FM, Village Club FM, Radio Kitara, Packwach FM and Tropical FM.

The remaining stations are Apex FM, Bamboo FM, Ssebo FM, Eastern Voice FM, Eye FM, Victoria FM, RFM, Kiira FM, Tiger FM, Greater African Radio, Dana FM, Gold FM, Hits FM and Radio 5.

Last month on February 2, 2018, the UCC summoned radio stations including, Apex FM, Dembe FM, Star FM, Metro FM among others over what is said to have been a repeated breach of minimum broadcasting standards. The radio stations were accused of carrying misleading promotions on their airwaves.

As much as AFEX supports initiatives to improve professionalism in the media; we believe that a shutdown is an extreme measure. Radio is the primary source of information among several households in Uganda. Closure of these stations will therefore mean depriving thousands of Ugandans their right to access information.

We call on the UCC to reopen the radio stations to allow them serve their communities. AFEX also call on the management of the affected stations and the regulator to collaborate to improve professional standards in the media.

AFEX Denounces Recent Attacks on Journalists in Zimbabwe

Felicia Anthonio
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0
AFEX Denounces Recent Attacks on Journalists in Zimbabwe

The African Freedom of Expression Exchange (AFEX) joins its member, MISA-Zimbabwe to denounce the recent attacks on journalists in Zimbabwe by supporters and leaders of the country’s main opposition party, Movement for Democratic Change-Tsvangirai (MDC-T).

Supporters of the party have been perpetrating attacks on journalists carrying out their duty in the country.

On March 21, 2018, two provincial leaders of the party stormed the premises of the Tellzim newspaper in Masvingo and verbally assaulted and threatened journalists and staff working with the newspaper. 

According to AFEX member, MISA-Zimbabwe, the action of Murangamwa Chanyau and Peter Chigaba, the party’s district chairperson and provincial administrator respectively, followed a story published by TellZim Newspaper on March 15, 2018. The said publication allegedly set out details of how the MDC-T in Masvingo province was planning to oust all sitting councillors. The visibly angry MDC-T officials accused the publication of being bribed by the ruling party, Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front (ZANU–PF) to fight MDC-T. Chanyau and Chigaba also alleged that the paper  supported former MDC-T legislator for Masvingo Urban, Tongai Matutu. They also threatened the paper to reveal the source of the publication.

In another worrying incident, rowdy supporters of the MDC-T reportedly stoned journalists who were covering the party’s rally on March 18, 2018 in Gweru, administrative capital of Midlands province in Zimbabwe.

The African Freedom of Expression Exchange (AFEX) is concerned that these attacks are happening a few weeks after the leader of the MDC-T, Nelson Chamisa said his party is committed to ensuring the safety and security of journalists at all times.

Chamisa made these remarks on March 8, 2018 during a meeting in Harare with MISA Zimbabwe Trustees Cris Chinaka and Davision Maruziva and National Governing Council Vice Chairperson Rutendo Mawere, where MISA Zimbabwe expressed concern about the recent harassments of journalists at the party’s headquarters.  He also assured the MISA that his party’s headquarters was opened to all journalists or individuals and urged them to feel safe and secure whenever they visit the Harvest House.

Youths of the party on March 1, 2018, harassed a senior journalist, Zvamaida Murwira working with the Herald newspaper and a freelance journalist, Anna Chibamu, during a press conference held at Harvest House to confirm Nelson Chamisa as the party’s president.

In a separate incident, family members of one Andrew Takashinga Bere who appeared for a bail hearing at the Chiredzi Magistrates Court assaulted four journalists who were covering the court proceedings. Bere is accused of defrauding the United States of America taxpayer funds amounting to USD 7 million dollars during his stay in the country.

The journalists harassed are Godfrey Mtimba a freelance journalist and Patrick Chitongo working with Flame newspaper in Chiredzi. The others are Morris Bishi, journalist working with the Mirror newspaper in Masvingo and Tawanda Mangoma working with Zimpapers office in Chiredzi. The journalists were assaulted when they attempted to take pictures of the suspect as he was led out of court.

AFEX calls upon the leadership of the MDC-T to demonstrate in practice the party’s commitment to protecting journalists’ safety and safeguarding freedom of expression rights.

AFEX joins MISA-Zimbabwe to condemn the recent attacks on journalists and the media fraternity in the country. These attacks are clearly intended to gag the media, thereby preventing it from carrying out its watchdog role. The media has a central role to play in promoting development and must therefore be allowed to work independently without any form of interference.

Additionally, as Zimbabwe goes to the polls this year (2018), AFEX urges authorities in the country to ensure that journalists and media practitioners are protected to carry out their duty in a free and safe environment. Zimbabwe’s authorities must also ensure that all attacks on journalists are investigated and the perpetrators brought to book.

 

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