Yesterday, the world commemorated World Press Freedom Day, which this year focuses on three different aspects — freedom of information as a fundamental freedom and as a human right; protecting Press freedom from censorship and surveillance overreach; and ensuring safety for journalism online and offline.
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On Press Freedom Day, the world has the sad duty of commemorating journalists harassed or killed each year in their line of duty as well as pressing governments to repeal repressive Press laws.
We believe in the heart of freedom of expression. Press freedom represents the natural immune system of any society. Yet, exactly like in human bodies, dictatorships first target freedom of expression and, more specifically, Press freedom.
Therefore, there is need to celebrate the fundamental principles of Press freedom; assess the state of Press freedom in the country and defend the media’s independence.
This year’s event held under the theme, Access to Information and Fundamental Freedoms — This is Your Right, could not have been held at a better time given local journalists have faced all kinds of adversities in their line of duty including unfriendly Press laws, the refusal by government to re-align media laws with the new Constitution, opening up airwaves, registration of community radio stations and the repealing of repressive Press laws.
We believe these instruments are important in a democracy.
Although the holding of the event in public was symbolic of the freedom that the Press seeks, these pieces of legislation have resulted in government tying the noose on independent journalists as it seeks to control the media industry.
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Suffice to say that although government has promised to repeal some of the repressive laws such as the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act and Public Order and Security Act, no significant movement has been registered in that direction.
We also call for laws such as the Interception of Communications Act to be repealed as they pose “serious threats to the privacy of citizens’ electronic communications”.
It is unfortunate that Zimbabwe continues to hog the limelight and is among countries continuously mentioned as having a hostile environment for journalists.
The government’s threats to media freedom also have a chilling effect on citizens’ right to free expression and access to information online as evidenced by its plans to enact laws that will hinder online activity under the guise of preventing cyber-crimes.
But for journalists, the power of instant communication has created new and exciting ways to dispense vital news and analysis. With it have come heightened levels of danger journalists face locally and worldwide.
We, therefore, urge Information minister Christopher Mushohwe to carry through his promises and create a conducive media environment for journalists to discharge their duty freely.
We still wonder why government has refrained from revisiting the existing media laws and plug the gaps and inadequacies that might have a bearing on the creation of a conducive environment for the development and growth of the information and media sector so as to better serve the interests of our country.
The media fraternity will await with bated breath Mushohwe’s call to convene a media conference to discuss the report of the Information and Media Panel of Inquiry with a view to “fine-tuning” its findings going forward.
We call upon government to desist from abusing its authority and allow the media to conduct its business in a fair and free environment.
