HARARE, July 2 (NewsDay Live) -The Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ) has strongly condemned the arrest and detention of Zimbabwe Independent editor Faith Zaba over a satirical comment published in her newspaper last week.
Police are claiming that the satire piece published in the newspaper under its Muckracker column "undermined the authority" of the President.
According to ZUJ, the detention of Zaba is a clear case of criminalizing journalism over editorial content that falls squarely within the boundaries of journalistic expression and satire.
"Satirical commentary, whether critical or humorous, is protected speech and should not be criminalized," ZUJ said in a statement.
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The union expressed deep concern that the arrest runs counter to the spirit and commitments of the recently launched Media Policy by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, which pledges to promote an open, tolerant, and free media environment.
"Zaba's arrest and treatment risks undermining confidence in the government's professed reform agenda," ZUJ added.
The union was also alarmed by reports that Zaba, who is suffering from a serious illness, was detained overnight despite medical confirmation of her condition.
"This raises grave concerns about her health, safety, and the proportionality of the actions taken by law enforcement," ZUJ said.
In light of this, ZUJ has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Faith Zaba. The union reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to defending media freedom and protecting the rights of journalists.
"We stand with Zaba and with every journalist in Zimbabwe who works fearlessly to inform the public and uphold the principles of truth, justice, and objectivity," ZUJ said.
The ZUJ's statement has been echoed by several media organizations, including the Media Alliance of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Media Commission, International Federation of Journalists, Ministry of Information, Publicity & Broadcasting Services, Federation of Southern African Journalists, and International Media Support.
