Daily News news editor Gift Phiri was on 29 April 2018 arrested and briefly detained while covering Zanu PF primary elections in the Midlands town of Zvishavane.
According to Phiri, he was arrested for taking pictures at a meeting between Zanu PF officials and polling station agents at Zvishavane Police Station. He was charged with one count of criminal trespass in terms of section 132 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.
He was released after paying a $20 admission of guilt fine.
MISA Position
Media freedoms such as the right to freedom of expression and access to information are the cornerstones of the practice of journalism. These rights are constitutionally guaranteed and must be respected.
MISA Zimbabwe, however, advises journalists to contact respective police ground commanders while on assignment for ease of their journalistic work and appreciation of the situation on the ground.
Source: MISA Zimbabwe
