Key Points
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HRW demands the release of journalist Blessed Mhlanga.
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Mhlanga has been detained since February on charges of incitement.
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Zimbabwe’s international treaties protect freedom of expression.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) on Wednesday called for the immediate release of journalist Blessed Mhlanga, who has been detained in Zimbabwe since his arrest on February 24.
Mhlanga, a senior journalist with independent media outlet Heart & Soul TV (HStv), was charged with incitement to commit violence following an interview he conducted with war veteran Blessed “Bombshell” Geza.
During the interview, Geza made public demands for the resignation of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, accusing him of corruption, nepotism, and incompetence, among other allegations.
“Zimbabwean authorities should immediately release Blessed Mhlanga and drop the charges leveled against him for simply doing his job,” said Idriss Ali Nassah, senior Africa researcher at HRW.
Nassah emphasized that these charges represented an attack on press freedom and the right to free expression, highlighting the ongoing threats to these rights in Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwean authorities face criticism over Mhlanga’s detention
Despite HRW’s calls, Mhlanga was denied bail by the magistrates’ court, which argued that his release could cause national unrest and threaten peace and security. This decision was upheld by the High Court.
HRW has condemned the move, pointing out that targeting journalists and political opponents for peacefully exercising their rights undermines Zimbabwe’s international reputation as a country that respects human rights.
HRW also noted that Zimbabwe is bound by international treaties such as the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which protect freedom of expression.
“The arrest and prolonged detention of Blessed Mhlanga sends a message to all journalists that their work makes them a target for mistreatment,” Nassah said.
Journalism groups rally behind Mhlanga’s release
The arrest of Mhlanga has sparked widespread calls for his release from various media groups, which argue that his detention is an unjustified attack on press freedom.
HStv, the online broadcast arm of Alpha Media Holdings, which publishes major newspapers like NewsDay, The Standard, and Zimbabwe Independent, continues to demand justice for Mhlanga. His case has become a symbol of the ongoing struggles faced by journalists in Zimbabwe.
