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March 18, 2025 – Zimbabwe –
Zimbabwean journalist Blessed Mhlanga continues to remain behind bars while the court indefinitely postpones ruling on his bail application. Despite multiple bail requests, the High Court has yet to grant him release, leaving him detained without a clear timeline for freedom.
Mhlanga was arrested in late February 2025 on charges linked to broadcasting content considered to incite public unrest. Since then, his legal team has repeatedly sought bail, but each request has been denied or delayed, prolonging his imprisonment.
The indefinite delay in ruling on his current bail application exacerbates concerns about due process and fairness. Mhlanga remains confined as the court hesitates to make a decision, causing frustration for his family, supporters, and press freedom advocates who argue that there is no legal justification for keeping him jailed while awaiting bail rulings.
Human rights groups and media organizations have criticized the authorities for this prolonged detention without resolution, calling it a tactic to silence critical journalism in Zimbabwe. The uncertainty surrounding his bail status leaves Mhlanga’s fate unclear and continues to highlight the challenges faced by journalists operating under increasing government pressure.
As of now, Blessed Mhlanga remains in custody, with his bail fate hanging in limbo as the court reserves judgment indefinitely.
Reference –
Zimbabwean journalist Blessed Mhlanga denied bail for 3rd time
More jail time for journalist Mhlanga as bail ruling reserved indefinitely
