NewsHawks freezes military story following “threats” from state security
HARARE – Zimbabwe’s online publication The NewsHawks has announced it will halt further reporting on its story of three army generals allegedly ousted due to corruption, citing “subtle threats and direct pressure” from state security agents.
The Editor of The NewsHawks claims the decision safeguards the safety of their reporters, particularly News Editor Owen Gagare, who he says is now under surveillance. He called the situation a “chilling effect on media freedom and journalism practice.”
This follows reports that the publication received information from “top Defence House impeccable sources” about the story raising “serious concerns and alerts” within the military.
The development comes just over a year after The NewsHawks journalist Gilbert Munetsi was arrested and detained overnight for allegedly violating COVID-19 curfew measures. MISA Zimbabwe, a media rights organisation, intervened and secured his release.
MISA has condemned the pressure on The NewsHawks, urging authorities to guarantee the safety of its journalists.
They emphasized the importance of a free press in holding powerful institutions accountable and urged aggrieved parties to utilize established media complaint channels instead of resorting to intimidation.
“MISA Zimbabwe urges the responsible authorities and the Zimbabwe Defence Forces to guarantee the safety and security of The NewsHawks’ journalists,” MISA Zimbabwe noted.
“The intimidation of journalists conducting their lawful and constitutionally guaranteed professional responsibilities instills fear and self-censorship in the media and compromises its watchdog role over the three arms of the state and holding those who wield power to account.
“The safety and security of media workers is therefore of paramount importance in that regard.
“We therefore urge aggrieved parties to lodge their complaints with the Voluntary Media Council of Zimbabwe or the Zimbabwe Media Commission for redress as opposed to issuing chilling and detrimental threats against the media.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Zimbabwean journalists in reporting on sensitive topics, particularly those involving the military. It raises concerns about press freedom and the safety of journalists in the country.
