Zimbabwe media law challenged

Journalists say the government is gagging the press

Zimbabwe's Supreme Court has started hearing a legal challenge to a tough new media law.

Journalists want the law to be declared unconstitutional, arguing that is intended to stop public criticism of President Robert Mugabe's government.

The real purpose of the licensing system... is to provide the government with a measure of control over journalists and to prevent, or at least limit, critical reporting

Lawyer Sternford Moyo

The media law sets out punishments of up to two years for journalists convicted of publishing false information or "abuse of journalistic privilege".

Thursday is also the deadline for journalists to register for government accreditation.

News organisations must pay an annual registration fee of 500,000 Zimbabwe dollars (US$10,000) for a licence.

The government has the right to refuse accreditation.

Cleared

Foreign BBC correspondents are currently banned from entering Zimbabwe, after being accused of bias against Mr Mugabe and his government.

Information Minister Jonathan Moyo says the law was needed to stop what he called "irresponsible and inaccurate" journalism, designed to tarnish the image of the country.

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The Independent Journalists' Association of Zimbabwe argues that the law contravenes the right to freedom of expression.

Their lawyer Sternford Moyo urged the Supreme Court to declare the law illegal.

"Taken as a whole, it is hard to avoid the conclusion that the real purpose of the licensing system... is to provide the government with a measure of control over journalists and to prevent, or at least limit, critical reporting," he told the court.

Twelve journalists have been charged with offences under the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act this year.

Only one case has gone to court and the American correspondent of the British Guardian newspaper was cleared of any wrong-doing.

'Unauthorised'

Under the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act:

• All journalists must be Zimbabwean citizens, which bars all foreign nationals from reporting in the country.
  
• Foreign correspondents may be allowed to cover special events.
  
• It is an offence to "spread rumours or falsehoods that cause alarm and despondency under the guise of authentic reports".
  
• Journalists are barred from publishing "unauthorised" reports of cabinet deliberations and policy advice by a head of a public body, as well as information that may be harmful to the law enforcement process and national security.
  
• Public bodies are also barred from releasing information that relates to intergovernmental relations or their financial or economic interests.

There are no privately-owned radio or television stations in Zimbabwe and just one daily newspaper, which the government routinely condemns.

The state-controlled radio, television and newspapers are all seen as mouthpieces of the government, which only cover opposition activities in a negative light.