VMCZ statement on the arrest and detention of Daily News Editors

The Voluntary Media Council of Zimbabwe (VMCZ) is gravely concerned at the arrest and detention of Daily News Editor, Stanley Gama and his deputy Chris Goko, by the police.

Gama and Goko were arrested and detained for four hours by police in Harare on Monday, 8 October 2012 over a story on the alleged disappearance of the wife of businessman, Munyaradzi Kereke.

VMCZ views this unfortunate arrest of the two editors as a perpetuation of the harassment of journalists in the country, and is therefore undemocratic and inimical to freedom of expression. It is our considered view that where citizens are against contents of a publication, or a media house, they should seek recourse through the Media Complaints Committee under the auspices of VMCZ.

VMCZ further urges the police to respect the right to press freedom and freedom of expression, and to create an environment which enables journalists to operate according to internationally recognized standards of journalism.