8 Jun 2010 | Index Index, minipost, News
The launch of the first new independent domestic Zimbabwean newspaper in 17 years was disrupted by Harare police on Friday (4 June). Shortly before the first edition of NewsDay was due to be delivered to newstands around Harare, the newspaper’s marketing manager, Linda Msika, was arrested along with distribution staff and vendors. Police officers were allegedly unhappy that NewsDay — given a publishing license by the Zimbabwe Media Commission last week — was to give away Friday’s edition for free. After being detained for several hours, staff members were released without charge, and the distribution of the newspaper was allowed to proceed. NewsDay, owned by the independent Alpha Media Holdings group, is expected to offer a counterpoint to Harare’s two state-owned, pro-government newspapers.
26 May 2010 | Index Index, minipost
The Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC) is to authorize the publication of two newspapers independent of state control in Harare. The privately produced Daily News and Newsday, also publishers of the weekly Zimbabwe Independent and Standard newspapers, have both had their applications to publish accepted by the ZMC secretariat following their closure as a result of legislation censoring the media in 2003. Journalists from a series of media houses and newspapers previously banned by Robert Mugabe’s government have re-applied for their previous jobs whilst many organizations have applied for magazine and periodical publishing licenses since 4 May. The Zimbabwean government has yet to announce changes to restrictions on the granting of broadcast licenses.
25 May 2010 | Index Index, minipost
Two employees of Gays and Lesbians of Zimbabwe, the country’s only gay and lesbian advocacy group, have been arrested after police raided their offices. Ellen Chademana and Ignatius Muhambi were accused of possessing pornographic materials and dangerous drugs, after a search conducted under Zimbabwe’s repressive censorship laws which also saw the seizure of documents and computers. Since their arrest, the suspects have been denied contact with their lawyers, despite the fact that Chademana suffers from diabetes. Police have not confirmed either the specific charges being brought against the pair, or when they are likely to be released.
18 May 2010 | Index Index, minipost
Augustie Chihuri, Zimbabwe’s police commissioner, has banned public demonstrations and protests during this summer’s World Cup, taking place in neighbouring South Africa. Reports indicate that a decision to curtail all public protests “from June 1 until further notice” has already been circulated to senior officers, and will be formally announced later in May.
