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MIC bars Zimbabwe journalist from practising
Fri, 29 Feb 2008 04:43:00 +0000
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THE state-controlled Media and Information Commission (MIC) which ceased to exist in January 2008 following the signing into law of amendments to the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA) has banned senior Zimbabwean journalist Brian Hungwe from practicing journalism in the country.
In a statement yesterday, Nyasha Nyakunu, the research and information officer at MISA-Zimbabwe said Hungwe, a former correspondent with the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), on 27 February 2008 was banned for one-year following his appeal against MIC’s earlier decision banning him from working as a freelance journalist in Zimbabwe.
The MIC's illegal ban will be in force until 19 August 2008.
The MIC ceased to exist on 11 January 2008 when President Robert Mugabe signed the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Amendment Act No. 20 of 2007.
MISA-Zimbabwe therefore insists that anything purportedly done by the MIC after 11 January 2008 is of no legal force and should be declared null and void.
”MISA-Zimbabwe condemns in the strongest terms the MIC's decision as it is not only illegal but vindictively designed to curtail media freedom and freedom of expression ahead of the 29 March 2008 elections. The continued existence of the Tafataona Mahoso led Media and Information Commission is not only illegal but an affront to media and freedom of expression rights,” said Nyakunu.
"I was born in Zimbabwe and this is where I will die. Journalism is my source of livelihood and I cannot understand why this country would want to ban journalists from reporting in their own countries. I have been patient with the MIC for more than a year now because I did not want to be seen as being confrontational, but this latest development leaves me with no option but to seek recourse through the courts." said Hungwe.
According to MISA Zimbabwe, Hungwe's story dates back to 2006 when he was approached by the BBC who were interested in engaging him as their correspondent in Harare.
The MIC dragged its feet when it came to accredit him in that vein culminating in its decision on 20 August 2007 suspending him from the roll of journalists for a one year period for allegedly contravening Sections 90 and 79 (5) of AIPPA as read with Section 6 of Statutory Instrument 169 C of 2002.
He appealed the decision but the MIC in a letter dated 26 February 2008 and seven months later, informed him that it was not in position to entertain his appeal "as there is no basis in law for such an appeal now".
The MIC is a creation of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA) which was promulgated in 2002. However, the recent amendments to AIPPA did away with the MIC. In its place will be the Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC) which will be composed of nine members who shall all be appointed by the President from a list of not fewer than 12 nominees submitted by the Parliamentary Committee on Standing Rules and Orders.
The ZMC which is empowered with the accreditation of journalists is still to be constituted.
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ARTICLE ATTACHMENTS
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n/a • n/a
Subject: Omugabe doesn't tnk
Sun, 02 Mar 2008 20:33:41 • Omugabe think first before you waste your time. You are too selfish and childish.
ZIMBO • tatsluv@yahoo.com
Subject: omugabe
Sat, 01 Mar 2008 00:28:09 • my friend omugabe it is up to the people of zimbabwe to decide whether or not to pick up and read an article by Brian Hungwe.Do you believe in freedom of speech or should journalists only write about issues that only please you Omugabe. A country should have many media sources foreign and domestic and it is up to the people of that country to decipher what information they should believe or throw away.
My friend if you want to charge the BBC for propaganda then you should first look home and see our very own ZBC which is the very definiton of propaganda and bias
Omugabe • dziva@sanandresano.com
Subject: BIGOT BROADCASTING CORP (BBC)
Fri, 29 Feb 2008 17:54:26 • The Bigot Broadcasting Corp (BBC) is an anti-African organ of the racist colonizers of the UK. Many countries, including Russia, RIGHTLY exclude the BBC; because of its bias colonialist reporting and propaganda.
If Brian Hungwe cannot understand why Zim Patriots would want to bar the anti-African bigots of britain and their self-destructive African agents, then Brian Hungwe is an unfortunate and lost soul.
No Zim Patriot should want to associate with an anti-African propaganda machine.
Zim Patriots are charged with the responsibility to protect the hard-won African sovereignty of Zimbabwe for BOTH external and internal destructive elements.
In this regard, Zim Patriots cannot afford to allow the witting or unwitting agents of the evil divide and rule british devils, who are intent on colonizing and dominating Africans and the whole world.
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