Zimbabwe reporters petition Mugabe over attack claims

By John Cassim

HARARE, Zimbabwe (AA) – Following an attack on Zimbabwean journalists by police during a protest in Harare on Wednesday, media unions have implored President Robert Mugabe to guarantee reporters’ safety.

In a letter addressed to the country’s 92-year-old leader on Friday, the Media Alliance of Zimbabwe (MAZ) said alleged cases of police aggression and brutality against journalists had increased in the past two months.

“Section 61 of the Constitution categorically provides for media freedom, which includes the right to seek, receive and communicate information,” MAZ said.

The Commissioner General of the Police and Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission were also urged to investigate the matter.

At least five journalists were severely injured when police broke up a protest in Harare on Wednesday.

Other journalists were assaulted and lost recorders and cameras when police intervened in the protest in the capital against bond notes and unemployment.

Government officials have been reluctant to comment on the allegations.

Information and Media Minister Christopher Mushowe told Anadolu Agency: “I can’t comment on something I do not know.”

President Mugabe’s office could not be reached for a comment. A spokesperson for the Zimbabwe Republic Police, Charity Charamba, also declined to comment.