Zimbabwe: Drop the Charges Against Journalist Blessed Mhlanga

On February 24, 2024, Zimbabwean journalist Blessed Mhlanga was arrested and charged under the country’s Cyber and Data Protection Act, accused of “transmitting data messages that incite violence or damage to property.” Just days earlier, Mhlanga had conducted interviews with a war veteran and former ruling party official who openly criticized President Emmerson Mnangagwa. The timing and nature of the charges suggest clear retaliation for his reporting.

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Over 70 days in detention

After voluntarily presenting himself to police, Mhlanga spent 72 days in detention. His bail applications were repeatedly denied, and a High Court appeal was rejected. He was finally granted provisional release on May 7, following a successful second appeal.

Though free for now, Mhlanga still faces trial on June 17 and the possibility of a fine or up to 10 years in prison if convicted.

 

Blessed Mhlanga, a Zimbabwean journalist, was jailed for 72 days after interviewing a government critic. Though now provisionally released, he still faces serious charges that threaten press freedom.

A pattern of harassment

This isn’t the first time Blessed Mhlanga has been targeted. In 2022, while reporting on the detention of an opposition politician, he was allegedly assaulted by police and charged with “disorderly conduct,” before being acquitted.

Zimbabwean journalists continue to operate in a hostile environment where intimidation, arbitrary arrests, and even killings — such as that of investigative journalist Watson Munyaka — remain a serious threat.

Take action now

Blessed Mhlanga’s arrest and prosecution are a blatant violation of Zimbabwe’s own Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression and media. These rights are also protected under international treaties to which Zimbabwe is a signatory. No one should be punished for doing their job.

You can write a letter in your own words urging the Prosecutor General to:

- Immediately and unconditionally drop all charges against Blessed Mhlanga.
- Uphold and respect the human rights of everyone in Zimbabwe, including the right to freedom
of expression.
- Ensure full respect for media freedom, in line with Zimbabwe’s Constitution and the
international human rights treaties to which Zimbabwe is a signatory.
 

Write to:
Honorable Loyce Matanda-Moyo
Prosecutor General
National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe
101 Kwame Nkrumah Ave
Harare, Zimbabwe
Email: [email protected]
X: @NPAZim
Salutation: Honorable Loyce Matanda-Moyo

And copy:

His Excellency Cecil Toendepi Chinenere
Ambassador
Embassy of the Republic of Zimbabwe
332 Somerset Street West
Ottawa, ON K2P 0J9
Tel: (613) 421-1242 Fax: (613) 422-7403
Email: [email protected]

A Call for Action

Freedom of the press is essential for any democratic society. Journalists like Mhlanga play a vital role in exposing corruption and holding power to account. The Zimbabwean government must uphold its obligations by ending the harassment of the media and creating a safe space for journalists to work without fear.

Join us in demanding justice, and a future where journalists are protected, not persecuted.

For more, visit the Urgent Action page.