By 
By Ross Moyo
Zimbabwe Online Content Creators (ZOCC) has slammed the recent detention of award winning journalist Faith Zaba. According to Zimbabwe Online Content Creators, the body’s secretariat, leadership and entire membership unanimously condemned the arrest of Faith Zaba, the Editor of The Zimbabwe Independent, in connection with a satirical article published in her newspaper, which the Authorities allege “undermines the authority of the President.”
In a statement, ZOCC said this heavy handedness by the State, premised on archaic provisions criminalizing “insulting or undermining the President,” is deeply troubling and sets a dangerous precedent for freedom of expression and press freedom in Zimbabwe.
The Online Content Creators said satire is part and parcel of journalism the world over and therefore can not be criminalized in a democratic dispensation.
Zocc stated, “Journalism is not a crime.
The Constitution of Zimbabwe clearly guarantees freedom of expression and freedom of the media in Section 61, and the right of access to information in Section 62. These rights are not optional they are constitutional obligations binding on all arms of the State.
ZOCC further reminds authorities that Zimbabwe is a signatory to key international instruments which uphold press freedom and the protection of journalists, including:
• Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) – which affirms everyone’s right to freedom of opinion and expression;
• Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights – which safeguards the right to receive information and express opinions freely;
• Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) – which Zimbabwe ratified, guaranteeing the right to freedom of expression, including freedom to seek, receive, and impart information of all kinds.”
The journalists body added that continued invocation of vague and colonial-era laws such as criminal insult and undermining the authority of the President has no place in a democratic society.
“Such charges are routinely abused to intimidate, harass, and silence journalists and media practitioners.
“We call on the State to immediately cease the persecution of journalists and to uphold the rule of law in accordance with the Constitution and Zimbabwe’s international obligations.
“ZOCC stands in solidarity with Faith Zaba and all journalists working under increasing pressure and intimidation. We urge all stakeholders, including civil society and the international community, to condemn this act and continue advocating for a media environment that is free, fair, and fearless.
“ZOCC remains committed to constructive engagement with all stakeholders to promote a safe, open, and democratic media space for all content creators and journalists in Zimbabwe.”
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