Journalists, as watchdogs of the society, play an important role in promoting governance matters.
Through the power of the pen, they expose corrupt officials.
In Zimbabwe and other countries, sadly, these journalists are often harassed, arrested or treated with disdain by state agents.
Freelance journalists as well as practitioners from both the state and private media are targeted by state agents and political activists.
Recently, a freelance journalist who requested anonymity said he was harassed by the police.
“Now that we have become victims, l can’t help but feel we need to unite and stop this injustice.
“I was illegally detained and tortured before being released without any charge by suspected state agents as they accused me of being an enemy of the state,” he said.
The journalists added: “The police brutally attacked me without laying charges. This should stop.”
In a statement, Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ) secretary general Foster Dongozi said the police are treating media practitioners like enemies of the sates.
He therefore urged the government to respect the constitution.
“Preventing journalists from carrying out their work is in direct violation of the supreme law of the land,” he said.
Dongozi added: “Section 61 of the Constitution of the country guarantees freedom of expression, including media freedom and academic freedom.
“Accordingly, the government should ensure that journalists are protected by the law as well as be given the professional space they so deserve in the discharge of their duties.”
Philip Leruth of the lnternational Federation of Journalists President concurs.
“The persistent harassment and intimidation of journalists in relation to their work by security agents and political activists is a fundamental violation of the rights of journalists as citizens,” said Leruth.
Human rights activist Caroline Mhlanga also urged the government should not interfere with the way the media operates as such conduct would be tantamount to violation of human rights.
“A functional democratic system allows media freedom. The use of state agents to silence journalists should thus stop forthwith as it violates fundamental rights of journalists,” she said.
The government is often hostile to the private media. It often accuses the private media of pushing for regime change.
