The
National Youth Development Trust (NYDT) joins the world in commemorating World
Press Freedom under theme: Safe to Speak: Securing Freedom of Expression
in all Media. The theme clearly underlines the importance of guaranteed
freedom of expression, particularly in the media. It also acknowledges the fact
that a number of people have been victimised for expressing themselves freely
in many forms.
In
Zimbabwe, this theme comes at a critical time when the country is preparing for
national elections. History is awash with evidence to the fact that election
periods in Zimbabwe have often been characterised by serious censoring,
victimisation of journalists, closure of some media houses and numerous other attempts
to suppress the free flow of information to Zimbabwean citizens.
While
the world celebrates the increase in the number of media platforms through the
growth of social networks as sources of information, there is also growing
concern in Zimbabwe over the victimisation of individuals and organisations
that express themselves freely using such platforms. Such harassment and
intimidation is not only uncalled for but also a clear indication that freedom
of expression in any media is limited in Zimbabwe.
However,
without free flow of information no democracy can be sustained. It is such
elements as Media freedom, plurality and diversity that will sustain any
democracy and guarantee the informed participation of the electorate. As such, there
is need for Zimbabwe to deal with issues of freedom of expression as part of
the roadmap towards free and fair elections.
It
is in light that the NYDT calls for the enactment of laws that guarantee
freedom of all forms of media and the reform of such restrictive laws as the Access
to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA), sections of the Criminal
Law (Codification and Reform) Act, the Public Order and Security Act (POSA), the
Official Secrets Act (OSA) the Broadcasting Services Act (BSA) and the Postal
and Telecommunications Act (PTA).
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