Opinion / Columnist
Linda Masarira blames journalists
30 Jan 2019 at 04:06hrs | Views
Zimbabwe cannot reform if fundamental rights like freedom of expression are being violated.
Citizens' freedom of expression, including freedom of the media, are key fundamental rights enshrined in the constitution of Zimbabwe are continuously violated.
The continuous violation of human rights threatens the basic tenets of democracy. Section 61 of the constitution of Zimbabwe allows for freedom of expression and freedom of the media yet it is continuously violated.
Our media is also highly compromised on partisan lines and some journalists have played a major role in aiding polarization and amplifying toxic propaganda in print and social media. Communicating an idea which is unpopular with either the nerrorists or varakashi can make you a victim of cyber bullying.
Most activists in Zimbabwe including myself have been arrested and assaulted by the police, time and again for exercising our right to Freedom of expression. Media must be allowed to carry out its mandate of conveying balanced information to citizens without interference.
Freedom of speech is a prerequisite for democracy and guarantor of societal development. Freedom of expression allows free flow of ideas and opinions at the same time creating a wealth of ideas that drive innovation; we need to collectively advocate for media reform
Citizens who express themselves on social media have been labelled cyber terrorists. Recently government and senior security officials issued intimidating statements against activists who are taking advantage of information technology to express their views on social media.
This is a sign that freedom of expression is under threat in the country. Citizens should not also abuse their right to freedom of expression by infringing on other peoples rights to privacy, conscience and freedom of association. Let's learn to be tolerant of divergent views.
Freedom of expression is a principle that must never be taken for granted and it must always be defended. Journalists are not spared from this infringement of Freedom of expression and freedom of the media as enshrined in section 61 of Zimbabwe's constitution .
As citizens, we will continue expressing ourselves freely as it is our constitutional right. No amount of torture, victimisation and intimidation will silence us. A new Zimbabwe is possible in our lifetime.
Hate speech has destroyed the social fabric in Zimbabwe. We can't all think the same because we were all born differently. Political party leaders should stop sowing seeds of division in the country. Blessed are the unifier and the peacemaker.
Citizens' freedom of expression, including freedom of the media, are key fundamental rights enshrined in the constitution of Zimbabwe are continuously violated.
The continuous violation of human rights threatens the basic tenets of democracy. Section 61 of the constitution of Zimbabwe allows for freedom of expression and freedom of the media yet it is continuously violated.
Our media is also highly compromised on partisan lines and some journalists have played a major role in aiding polarization and amplifying toxic propaganda in print and social media. Communicating an idea which is unpopular with either the nerrorists or varakashi can make you a victim of cyber bullying.
Most activists in Zimbabwe including myself have been arrested and assaulted by the police, time and again for exercising our right to Freedom of expression. Media must be allowed to carry out its mandate of conveying balanced information to citizens without interference.
Freedom of speech is a prerequisite for democracy and guarantor of societal development. Freedom of expression allows free flow of ideas and opinions at the same time creating a wealth of ideas that drive innovation; we need to collectively advocate for media reform
This is a sign that freedom of expression is under threat in the country. Citizens should not also abuse their right to freedom of expression by infringing on other peoples rights to privacy, conscience and freedom of association. Let's learn to be tolerant of divergent views.
Freedom of expression is a principle that must never be taken for granted and it must always be defended. Journalists are not spared from this infringement of Freedom of expression and freedom of the media as enshrined in section 61 of Zimbabwe's constitution .
As citizens, we will continue expressing ourselves freely as it is our constitutional right. No amount of torture, victimisation and intimidation will silence us. A new Zimbabwe is possible in our lifetime.
Hate speech has destroyed the social fabric in Zimbabwe. We can't all think the same because we were all born differently. Political party leaders should stop sowing seeds of division in the country. Blessed are the unifier and the peacemaker.
Source - Linda Masarira
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