The International Press Institute (IPI) has condemned Zimbabwe’s government for prosecuting journalist Blessed Mhlanga and his media house, Heart & Soul TV (HStv), over an interview with a politician. Mhlanka faces up to 5 years in prison and a $700 fine for broadcasting an interview with war veteran Blessed “Bombshell” Geza, who criticized the government’s alleged plans to extend the presidential term limit and President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s governance.
The IPI argues that the charges are an example of Zimbabwe’s intolerance towards press freedom and independent journalism, instilling fear and self-censorship among journalists. The organization has called on authorities to drop all charges and protect independent journalism as a central element of democratic debate.
IPI Africa senior legal advocacy officer, Marystella Simiyu, said, “Blessed Mhlanga was held in pre-trial detention for 73 days for simply doing media work that is in the public interest, in violation of Press freedom guaranteed by Zimbabwe’s Constitution.” The IPI welcomes Mhlanga’s release on bail but insists that authorities should drop all charges against him and HStv, allowing the media to report on issues of public interest without fear of arrest or legal harassment.
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