"Journalism Is Not A Crime," - European Union Speaks On Chin'ono's Arrest
The European Union (EU) in Zimbabwe has criticised the arrest of an award-winning journalist, Hopewell Chin’ono by the Zimbabwe Republic Police this Monday.
According to the police, Chin’ono was arrested in connection with allegations of Contravening Section 187(1)(a) as read with section 37(1)(a)(i) of the Criminal Law [Codification and Reform] Act, Chapter 9:23, “incitement to participate in public violence.’
Posting on Twitter, the EU said:
We are concerned by the arrest of @daddyhope this morning and call for his immediate release. Journalism is not a crime, but a crucial pillar of any democratic society & of the fight against corruption. Journalists and freedom of expression deserve protection. #EU4HumanRights.
Chin’ono’s arrest coincides with that of Jacob Ngarivhume, leader of the opposition Transform Zimbabwe.
The duo has been the face of the anti-corruption movement that gained popularity recently following reports that some government officials were engaging in underhand dealings which prejudiced the state of millions of dollars.
Chin’ono was instrumental in exposing the corruption scandal involving Drax International and ousted Health and Child Care Minister Dr Obadiah Moyo.
Meanwhile, Ngarivhume was the first to call for the 31 July anti-corruption protests.
More: EU In Zimbabwe