NAIROBI, Kenya (Kaab TV) — Amnesty International has strongly condemned the arrest and detention of Faith Zaba, editor of the Zimbabwe Independent, calling it “an assault on freedom of expression” amid growing concerns over media repression in Zimbabwe.
Zaba was arrested on 1 July in Harare over allegations of “undermining the authority of or insulting the President,” following the publication of a satirical piece in the paper’s Muckraker column.
According to her lawyer, Chris Mhike, the charge relates specifically to content perceived to criticize President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Her bail application has been postponed to 3 July pending a review of her medical records due to concerns over her health.
Khanyo Farisè, Amnesty International’s Senior Researcher for Eastern and Southern Africa, said Zaba is being detained “simply for doing her job.”
“Amnesty International strongly condemns the arrest and detention of Faith Zaba for exercising her constitutionally guaranteed rights as a journalist. This is an assault on the right to freedom of expression and press freedom,” said Farisè.
“Zimbabwean authorities must immediately release Faith Zaba and drop all charges against her. Journalism is not a crime. Authorities must allow journalists to carry out their work freely, safely, and without fear of harassment, intimidation or reprisals.”
Farisè noted that Zaba’s case is not isolated, referencing the earlier arbitrary detention of Blessed Mhlanga, head of news at Alpha Media House’s HSTV, who was held for 72 days in pretrial detention earlier this year.
“These arrests are part of a disturbing pattern in which the criminal justice system is being weaponized to silence independent media voices and instil fear among journalists,” she said.
Amnesty warned that the government’s tactics pose a serious threat to press freedom and the public’s right to information, urging an end to the ongoing crackdown on civic space in Zimbabwe.
Zaba’s detention adds to growing alarm among media watchdogs and human rights groups over the state’s escalating attempts to suppress dissent ahead of national political developments.