The United States Embassy in Harare on Monday morning said it had learned that police officers were at the home of renowned investigative journalist Hopewell Chin’ono, saying it was concerned over the scribe’s welfare.
In a post on Twitter, the US Embassy reminded President Emmerson Mnangagwa that previously he said he noted the role of investigative journalists in fighting corruption.
The Embassy further said the political intimidation of the press has no place in democracies. The statement read:
We have learned [Zimbabwe Republic Police] officials are at Hopewell Chin’ono’s home now and are deeply concerned for his welfare.
President @edmnangagwa noted the important role investigative journalists, like @daddyhope, play in shedding light on corruption. Political intimidation of the press has no place in democracies.
Chin’ono was arrested on Monday following his active role in revealing corruption by State officials and this has evidently riled ruling ZANU PF officials.
The award-winning filmmaker was recently threatened by the ruling party and at one point was accused of coup “rumour-mongering” by the interior minister.