Suppression of Journalism in Zimbabwe
Journalism is increasingly treated as a crime in Zimbabwe, with the government introducing legislation to limit reporting on corruption and state accountability.
The Zimbabwean government, under President Emmerson Mnangagwa, has created a climate of fear in newsrooms through state surveillance, arrests, and detentions, leading editors to self-censor to protect their organizations.
State surveillance, arrests and detentions have created a climate of fear in newsrooms, and a new law will bring investigative journalism under direct state control.
- Several high-profile journalists have been arrested and charged, including Faith Zaba, Blessed Mhlanga, and Kholwani Nyathi.
- The new law is expected to make it harder to secure donor funding, vital to sustaining journalism.
Author's summary: Zimbabwe's government is suppressing journalism through legislation and arrests.