To: IFEX Autolist (other news of interest)
From: International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), [email protected]

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IFJ Media Release
3 February 2003

The IFJ Calls for an End of Persecution of Independent Daily News in Zimbabwe

The International Federation of Journalists, the world's largest organization of
journalists representing over 500.000 members, has called on the authorities in
Zimbabwe to end the persecution of The Daily News and its staff. The newspaper
is facing closure because of new registration rules, which the IFJ says "are
designed to force media to toe the government line
or face extinction."

The Daily News was recently declared to be operating illegally because they are
not registered with the Media and Information Commission. The Minister of
Information Jonathan Moyo, says the paper has chosen not to register, but
according to sources in the country the Media and Information Commission is
refusing to accredit the newspaper. Zimbabwe has imposed draconian restrictions
that prevent both local and foreign journalists from working freely. The Daily
News has been especially targeted by the authorities. Last month two journalists
from the newspaper were arrested as well as several foreign journalists.

Those held were Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi, the chief photographer of The Daily News
who was detained on January 29th for seven hours, along with two American
reporters. They were accused of unlawful entry into the Grain Marketing Board's
premises. The journalists were not allowed to communicate with their lawyers.
They claimed they had permission to enter the premises, and were released
without charge. Five days earlier Fanuel Jongwe, a reporter for The Daily News,
and five foreigners were arrested and charged with "practicing journalism
without a license". They were later released without charges.

On January 12, Ernest Mungwari, The Daily News bureau chief in the city of
Mutare was beaten up by thugs, reportedly hired by a man who runs a transport
company, after newspaper reports about the company.

The Daily News was sued in January by Beatrice Moyo, the wife of the Minister of
Information Jonathan Moyo, after an article reporting about domestic violence in
the couple. She is claiming 10 million Zimbabwe dollars for damages.

"The Daily News is being put to the sword by a campaign of intimidation
involving powerful people, petty bureaucrats and the police," said Aidan White,
IFJ General Secretary. "The paper is facing extinction because of the use of
repressive legislation to stifle opposition voices." The IFJ called for the
campaign to end and is demanding that the government lifts restrictions
preventing journalists from working in the country. "The very least we can
expect is that the police protect journalists from attacks and threats," said
White, "but in Zimbabwe today even that cannot be
guaranteed."

Further information: + 32 2 235 22 00

The IFJ represents more than 500,000 journalists in more than 100 countries

**The information contained in this autolist item is the sole responsibility of
IFJ**