The IPI global network welcomes the release on bail on July 4, 2025, of Faith Zaba, the editor of the Zimbabwe Independent, and urges authorities to drop all charges against her.
Authorities detained Zaba on July 1, 2025, following the newspaper’s publication of a satirical article criticizing the current chairmanship of the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) of President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Zaba was charged with undermining the authority or insulting the president in contravention of Section 33 of the Criminal Law Code. She was granted bail equivalent to 170 euros on July 3, but her release was postponed to July 4 because of a nationwide power outage, which prevented the magistrate from drafting her bail ruling.
As part of her bail conditions, she was ordered to surrender her passport and report to the police weekly. Her next court hearing is scheduled for July 29.
“The detention of journalists for publishing a critical article about a high-profile public official is concerning. This is the second time this year that a journalist in Zimbabwe has faced criminal charges. Authorities must allow the media to work freely according to international standards on freedom of expression, which includes the right to criticize those in power,” said Edzodzi Ahiadou, IPI Africa Program Officer.
“Zaba’s case reflects a concerning pattern of actions to silence critical media in Zimbabwe. Authorities should drop the charges against Zaba and stop the use of legal harassment and intimidation targeted at critical journalists,” he added.
In February 2025, Heart and Soul (HStv) journalist Blessed Mhlanga was also detained and spent more than 70 days in prolonged pre-trial detention before being granted bail in May. His case stemmed from the broadcast of an interview with Blessed Geza, a dissident opponent of the Zanu PF ruling party. Mhlanga is expected to appear in the courtroom again on July 17, when his trial is scheduled to begin.