IFEX - News from the international freedom of expression community
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ALERT - ZIMBABWE

3 February 2003

Police arrest two journalists, limit access to opposition leader's trial

SOURCE: Reporters sans frontières (RSF), Paris

(RSF/IFEX) - On 3 February 2003, RSF called on the government to allow media
unrestricted access to the trial of opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai. The
organisation stressed that the trial should be carried out in the presence
of independent observers and media representatives, regardless of their
editorial stand.

"It is unacceptable that the police should deprive the Zimbabwean public of
their right to be properly informed," said RSF Secretary-General Robert
Ménard. He called on police to release two journalists who were arrested at
the courthouse, and allow journalists into the court without restriction, in
line with the request of the High Court's presiding judge.

The trial of Tsvangirai, leader of the opposition Movement for Democratic
Change (MDC), and two of his senior colleagues opened before the Harare High
Court on 3 February. The three opposition figures were charged with treason
and could be sentenced to death. The courtroom was barred to most
journalists before the start of the hearing. Two of the journalists
present - freelancer Ish Mafundikwa and Pedzisai Ruhanya of "The Daily
News" - were arrested after protesting against the restrictions.

Other journalists, along with diplomats, opposition supporters and
independent observers, were also barred by police, who said there was no
room inside the courtroom, though lawyers said there were in fact several
empty benches. Later on 3 February, Judge Paddington Garwe asked police to
allow anyone who wanted to attend the trial inside the court.

For further information, contact Jean-François Julliard at RSF, rue Geoffroy
Marie, Paris 75009, France, tel: +33 1 44 83 84 84, fax: +33 1 45 23 11 51,
e-mail: [email protected], Internet: http://www.rsf.org

The information contained in this alert is the sole responsibility of RSF.
In citing this material for broadcast or publication, please credit RSF.
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