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February 25, 2025 – Zimbabwe –
Zimbabwean journalist Blessed Mhlanga was arrested and detained for 72 days following interviews with Blessed Geza, a war veteran and former ZANU-PF central committee member who openly criticized President Emmerson Mnangagwa and called for his resignation. Mhlanga, a senior journalist at Heart and Soul Television (HStv), was charged under Section 164 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act for allegedly transmitting data messages that incite violence or damage to property.
The interviews, conducted in November 2024 and February 2025, were broadcast on HStv and YouTube, where Geza accused the president of nepotism, corruption, and failing to address economic issues. Authorities launched a nationwide manhunt for Mhlanga, who voluntarily presented himself to the police on February 24.
Mhlanga’s arrest sparked widespread condemnation from international organizations, including the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), which called the charges “absolutely shameful” and urged for his immediate release. Amnesty International also demanded the unconditional dropping of all charges, emphasizing that journalism is not a crime.
After multiple bail denials, Mhlanga was granted provisional release on May 7, 2025, by the High Court, which cited a misjudgment and changed circumstances. As part of his bail conditions, he was required to surrender his passport, report to the police weekly, and refrain from interfering with witnesses.
The case highlights the precarious state of press freedom in Zimbabwe, where journalists face increasing threats for reporting on government critics. Mhlanga’s ordeal underscores the challenges faced by media practitioners in exercising their right to freedom of expression in the country.
Reference –
Zimbabwean journalist Blessed Mhlanga jailed over interviews with war veteran
