International press watchdog critical of Mugabe

The World Press Freedom Committee (WPFC) had written to President Robert Mugabe about the government’s intention to introduce the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Bill in August, saying the move was “ill-conceived, the ‘Daily News’ reported on Tuesday.

According to the report, the letter read: “Mr President, such restrictive measures are indicators of insecurity, not strength. A true democracy which you say you have in Zimbabwe welcomes the ideas and views of its constituents rather than their fearful and unquestioning acquiescence. We take exception to your own stated view that journalists haven’t got the freedom to offend others. In their work, which includes investigative reporting and the scrutiny of actions and policies of public officials, journalists will and indeed must often offend others.”

In a separate statement on Tuesday, MISA urged the government to handle the new bill through the normal parliamentary channels instead of fast-tracking it. Mugabe told parliament last week that the bill would improve the flow of and availability of information to ordinary citizens, however, a wide spectrum of critics say the law will only further regulate the information disseminated to the public. “It is with great disappointment that the World Press Freedom Committee notes the determination of your government to go forward with presentation of an ill-conceived Bill whose intention is to assert government control over Zimbabwe citizens’ access to news and information,” the WPFC letter to Mugabe reportedly said.