Human rights watchdogs have called on Zimbabwean authorities to stop targeting and harassing journalists in the course of their work.
As the world marks World Press Freedom Day, Amnesty International has raised concern over the continued detention of senior journalist Blessed Mhlanga, who was arrested on 24 February 2025. He has been charged with "transmitting data messages that incite violence or damage to property."
Mhlanga has now spent 67 days in custody, with authorities repeatedly denying him bail.
Amnesty International has called on the government to protect, not persecute, journalists, emphasising the need to safeguard press freedom and ensure the free flow of information.
Meanwhile, other media rights groups in Zimbabwe have urged the government to scrap the proposed Broadcasting Services Bill. They warn that if the bill is signed into law in its current form, it will significantly roll back media freedom in the country.
