MASVINGO – The Community Newspapers Association of Zimbabwe (CNAZ) dedicated Press Freedom Day (Saturday 3 May) to stand in solidarity with Hstv Senior Journalist Blessed Mhlanga who marked his 69th day in prison without bail or trial.
Mhlanga is charged with publishing information that could incite violence.
A statement released by CNAZ chairman today, Matthew Takaona accused Government of using the law to punish Mhlanga for his bravery in exposing corruption and speaking truth to power.
The statement called for bail or immediate release of Mhlanga. Takaona also called on lawyers, media organisations, Parliamentary platforms, foreign Governments and human rights organisation to put pressure on the Government of President Mnangagwa to release Mhlanga.
Takaona said Journalism is not a crime and it is therefore a contradiction that the Zimbabwe Government which is a signatory to several international conventions on Press Freedom is violating the same values that it purports to stand for.
“We cannot mark the day in any other way except to show solidarity with our colleague, Blessed Mhlanga.
“As a group of publishers, we are convinced that Mhlanga has not committed any crime but is being punished for his bravery in fighting corruption and speaking truth to power.
“We therefore demand the following; bail or immediate release of Mhlanga without further persecution and we call on the international community, lawyers, human rights organisations, Parliamentary platforms and democratic governments throughout the World to put pressure on President Mnangagwa to release Mhlanga.
“Journalism is not a crime but a pillar of democracy and freedom,” said the statement. Masvingo Mirror
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