The Voluntary Media Council of Zimbabwe (VMCZ) condemns in the strongest terms the increased cases of brutality against journalists that have been reported in the last eight months.
The upsurge of cases involving the assault of journalists by police and members of political parties are cause for serious concern. The attacks on journalists lawfully conducting their business is a serious threat to the profession, safety and security of journalists and has implications on the media’s capacity to inform the citizenry.
On Wednesday this week police severely assaulted seven journalists: Tendai Musiyazviripo, Christopher Mahove, Tsvangirai Mukwazhi, Idah Mhetu, Lawrence Chimunhu, Bridget Mananavire and Haru Mutasa. The seven were severely attacked by police whilst covering a demonstration against the introduction of bond notes in Harare.
The assault on the seven journalists comes barely a week after Zanu PF supporters attacked Daily News reporter Mugove Tafirenyika while he was covering President Mugabe’s rally with war veterans.
In January this year, Herald correspondent Lovemore Meya was assulted by Zanu PF activists while covering violence that had erupted in Chitungwiza.
In June this year weekly Standard newspaper correspondent Albert Masaka was also assaulted by Zanu PF youths.
VMCZ strongly condemns acts of brutality against media professionals and will remain committed to fighting for a democratic space that allows for the respect of media freedom – a constitutional right.
VMCZ takes this opportunity to call upon political parties to reign in their supporters and urge them to desist from attacking members of the media. The VMCZ also urges the police to protect members of the media and not use heavy handed techniques against members of the media, constitutionally going about their business.
The VMCZ, strongly believes in an ethical, accountable and professional media and these three important tenets cannot be achieved if media continue to operate under threat and constant fear from law enforcement agents and political party supporters.
Journalists have a constitutional mandate to inform the public and any acts that hinder them from doing so should be condemned.
We urge the police to engage with media houses and media organisations and find a lasting solution on how members of the media covering volatile situations can be protected by the police.
The VMCZ firmly believes that while the police have a role to protect the public they also have a role to especially protect defenceless members of the press, whose sole mandate is to inform all in society
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