Government rapped over refusal to issue community radios with licences

The Amnesty International through its report circulated by the Zimbabwe Europe Network a civic organisation comprising organisations from Zimbabwe and Europe has accused Zimbabwean government for reneging to issue community and commercial raido licences to independent players save for giving those licences to the ruling Zanu-PF aligned organisations.

In a statement Amnesty International said the Zimbabwean government's continuing stranglehold on community radio and its refusal to issue licences to all but commercial operators with links to state-owned companies or those with government ties is a ploy to stifle freedom of expression.

'Beyond Tokenism: The need to license community radio stations in Zimbabwe' also details the crackdown on those who have been campaigning for the licensing of community radio stations, in line with the country's constitution. The police have arrested them, and state security agents have subjected them to surveillance, harassment and intimidation," Amnesty International reported.

The Deprose Muchena, Amnesty International's Director for Southern Africa said, "Despite promises and laws enacted more than 14 years ago to free up the airwaves for much needed community radio services, the government of Zimbabwe has failed to deliver on its promises and commitments."