Zimbabwean journalist Faith Zaba was arrested Wednesday following the publication of a satirical article critical of President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
This detention has been widely condemned by media organizations as a concerning attack on freedom of expression in the country.
Zaba, the editor of the Zimbabwe Independent newspaper, faces charges of undermining the authority of the 82-year-old president.
Prosecutors allege her article, titled “When you become mafia state,” contained false information “designed to engender feelings of hostility by the citizens of Zimbabwe towards the president.”
A Harare magistrate’s court ordered Zaba’s detention until Thursday, when a bail ruling is expected.
Her lawyer, Chris Mhike, expressed disappointment that she would remain in jail for a second night, especially given her reported illness.
This incident marks the latest in what rights campaigners and media groups describe as an escalating crackdown on civil society in Zimbabwe.
Critics argue the government is increasingly weaponizing the law to silence those who express dissent.
Notably, another journalist was held for over 70 days in February after interviewing a presidential critic.
The Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ) has voiced its deep disturbance over the “criminalisation of journalism,” advocating for Zaba’s immediate release.
The ZUJ emphasized that “satirical commentary, whether critical or humorous, is protected speech and should not be criminalised.”
The Media Alliance of Zimbabwe echoed these sentiments, highlighting the growing disrespect for press freedom.
Amnesty International also weighed in, calling the arrest part of a broader pattern to stifle the free press through the justice system.
Khanyo Farise, Amnesty’s southern Africa researcher, asserted, “Journalism is not a crime.
Authorities must allow journalists to carry out their work freely, safely and without fear of harassment, intimidation or reprisals.”
Zimbabwe currently ranks 106th out of 180 countries on Reporters Without Borders’ press freedom index, indicating a challenging environment for journalists.