Not content with the closure of private newspapers and persecution of journalists over the past few years, the government is adding more ammunition to its arsenal of weapons aimed at silencing dissenting voices. Now, a new and even more repressive law against journalists is one step away from gaining parliamentary approval. (29-NOV-04)

This article was first published in today´s edition of the Zimbabwean daily the Standard. It has been re-edited for publication here.

Despite pieces of legislation such as the draconian Access to Information and Protection to Privacy Act (AIPPA) and the Public Order and Security Act (POSA) that seek to curtail activities of independent journalists already in place, the government has proposed what could turn out to be the most repressive law for journalists. The Standard can reveal that the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Bill, proposes punishment of up to 20 years imprisonment for anyone who publishes or communicates to another statements that are perceived to be prejudicial to the State. The Bill, meant to bring under one document all the criminal laws in the country, has already passed the second reading stage in Parliament and is now at the Committee stage.

Covers everything, makes Mugabe seem flawless
Clause 31 of the bill criminalises publishing or communication “to any other person a statement which is wholly or materially false with the intention or realising that there is a real risk of:
– inciting or promoting public disorder or public violence or endangering public safety or
– adversely affecting the defence and economic interests of Zimbabwe: or
– undermining public confidence in a law enforcement agency, the Prison Service or the Defence Forces of Zimbabwe: or
– interfering with, disrupting or interrupting any essential service.”

The absolute end to freedom of expression
That person shall “be guilty of publishing or communicating a false statement prejudicial to the State and liable to a fine up to or exceeding level fourteen or imprisonment for a period not exceeding twenty years or both,” reads part of the proposed legislation. Level 14 calls for a $5 million fine. If passed into law, this piece of legislation will make it extremely difficult for journalists to operate and will certainly be the most repressive piece of legislation in Zimbabwe´s Statute books.