Police chiefs summoned over radio closure

The High Court in Zimbabwe has asked Police Commissioner Augustine Chihuri and Assistant Commissioner Liberman Ndlovu to show why they should not be held in contempt of court for closing down a private radio station last week and seizing its equipment.

In a ruling on Friday after the closure of 'Capitol Radio' the day before, High Court Judge Elizabeth Gwaunza ruled that the authorities not only had to explain their actions, but that they should also return the broadcasting equipment. The two police chiefs, she said would be summoned to explain their actions at a separate hearing.

In a ruling on 22 September, the Supreme Court recognised the right of 'Capitol Radio' to broadcast in Zimbabwe. The court ruled that state's broadcast monopoly violated article 20 of the constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression.

"We urge the authorities in Zimbabwe to respect the rulings of its own courts and return Capital Radio's equipment immediately," said Joel Simon, deputy director of the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). "As long as the government defies the court's rulings, journalists in Zimbabwe will continue to work without the protection of the law and be subject to the whims of President Mugabe."

Immediately after the ruling, Information Minister Jonathan Moyo said he would draft new legislation to govern private broadcasters and that 'Capital Radio' would not be permitted to begin any broadcasts.

After the police raid on the radio station, Moyo and Home Affairs Minister John Nkomo displayed its confiscated equipment at a news conference. Moyo said that the state had the right to intervene despite the Supreme Court ruling.

Meanwhile, the CPJ said the two directors of 'Capital Radio', Gerry Jackson and Mike Auret, were reported to be in hiding after police raids on their homes.