Zimbabwean journalist Blessed Mhlanga appeared in court on Tuesday, accused of inciting violence through an interview with ruling party critic Blessed Geza. Geza, a Zanu-PF stalwart, criticized President Emmerson Mnangagwa and called for his resignation in the interviews. Mhlanga’s arrest has raised concerns about media freedom and government intolerance of opposition. Prosecutors asked for a 72-hour detention to investigate further, claiming Mhlanga could interfere with witnesses if granted bail. His lawyer denied the charges as trumped up and groundless, questioning the state of press freedom in the country. Amnesty International called for Mhlanga’s immediate release and dropping of all charges, emphasizing that journalism is not a crime. The Zimbabwe National Editor’s Forum expressed deep concern over the arrest, stating it was harassment of a journalist working in the public interest. Zimbabwe ranks 116th in the World Press Freedom Index and has faced increased persecution of the media since Mnangagwa’s reelection in 2023. This incident highlights ongoing challenges to press freedom in the country.
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