Cognisant that Zimbabwe is a signatory to various international conventions upholding Freedom of the Press and aware that Press Freedom is a right in our own country enshrined in the Constitution of Zimbabwe and verily believing that journalism is not a crime but the most noble service to humanity;
We members of the Community Newspapers Association of Zimbabwe (CNAZ) dedicate this day to the freedom of AMH journalist Blessed Mhlanga, incarcerated for the last 70 days without trial. We cannot mark the day in any other way except to show solidarity with our colleague; to reflect and ponder on the tragedy and the threat that journalism faces in light of the unjust precedent that Government has set through Mhlanga’s case.
As a grouping 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 ask for the following
I. Immediate release for Mhlanga
ii. Local and international pressure (lawyers, human rights organisations, media organisations, parliamentary platforms, foreign governments) on Zim Government to release Mhlanga without further delay
iii. Bail for Mhlanga
Journalism is not a crime and Press Freedom is a pillar of democracy. Journalism is an enabler for the enjoyment of all other rights that one can think of and the right to practice journalism is enshrined in the highest law of this country.
Issued by
Matthew Takaona
CNAZ chairman
