Freedom of expression and no freedom after expression -Masarira

The Civil rights activist Linda Masarira has said in Zimbabwe it appears there is freedom of expression but no freedom after expression a development which she said violates the international declaration of human rights to a wider extent.

She said according to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, freedom of expression is the right of every individual to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.

"Section 61 of the constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (no. 20) Act 2013 allows for freedom of expression and freedom of the media yet it is continuously violated by the state as there is no freedom after expression in Zimbabwe. Communicating an idea can land you in jail in Zimbabwe as long as it is political and against the ruling government. Silvanos Mudzvova has been detained and released by police officers several times for freedom of artistic expression," Masarira said.

"Most activists in Zimbabwe including myself have been arrested and assaulted by the police, time and again for exercising their right of Freedom of expression. Everyone has the right to freedom of expression. Freedom of speech is a prerequisite for democracy and guarantor of societal development. Zimbabwe cannot reform out of dictatorship if fundamental rights like freedom of expression are being violated. Freedom of expression allows free flow of ideas and opinions at the same time creating a wealth of ideas and drives innovation."
 
She said citizens who have being expressing themselves on social media have been labelled cyber terrorists.

"The government of Zimbabwe and senior security officials have issued intimidating statements against activists. Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces General Constantino Chirenda, Police Commissioner General Augustine Chihuri and Army Commander Lieutenant General Valerio Sibanda issued warnings last year against citizens abusing social media to share information and organize protests. Freedom of expression is a principle that must never be taken for granted. It must always be defended," she said.

"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. It is a cumbersome process to register as an accredited journalist in Zimbabwe. There is limited access to information and foreign media is restricted from observing and covering issues in Zimbabwe."
 
She said on 3 August 2016, members of the riot police assaulted freelance journalists Lawrence Chimunhu, Christopher Mahove and Tendai Musiya as they covered demonstrations against the Zimbabwe government's plans to introduce bond notes in the wake of a deteriorating socio-economic environment.

"We will continue expressing ourselves freely as it is our constitutional right. No amount of torture, victimization and intimidation will silence us. A new Zimbabwe is possible in our lifetime,said Masarira.