Zimbabwean News You Can Trust.
The main opposition party, Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) has ‘fiercely’ condemned government’s threats on journalists.
In a statement CCC said journalists should be allowed to freely exercise their watchdog role without any hindrances or threats. It added that it will respect the work and freedom of the media when elected into power.
“We have noted with great concern the continued threats, harassment and intimidation of journalists by the regime in Harare. We add our voice in support of all journalists who are subject to threats, harassment and worse, because of the work that they do. It should be obvious to all Zimbabweans that this harassment and threats by top government officials are unacceptable.
“When the threats come from government officials, it is even worse. The work of journalists is vital to an informed public and a healthy democracy. Criticism, critical analysis and exposing unethical practices come with the job.
“We strongly condemn this behavior. A CCC government will support all members of the fourth estate, both from the private and public media houses. We will pay attention to the safety of journalists and to respect press freedom, which is vital to a functioning democracy and exposing wrongdoing,” reads the statement.
The statement came after President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s spokesperson, George Charamba, threatened to jail journalists who report on Gold Mafia, Al Jazeera’s documentary which exposes gold smuggling operations in Zimbabwe.
Charamba said the documentary was defamatory.
The documentary implicates some government officials and institutions in the illicit trade of gold.
Al Jazeera is scheduled to release episode 02 of the documentary this Thursday.