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.
15 Apr 2010 | Index Index, minipost, Uncategorized
A Zimbabwean government minister is suing a newspaper for defamation after it published accusations of corruption. The state-owned Chronicle newspaper will face Byl Manyange in the High Court next month, after reporting remarks allegedly made by mining minister Obert Mpofu, which suggested Manyange procured services for undeserving individuals. Mpofu now denies making the comments at a police function in Ntabazinduna last year.
