The arrest and continued detention of journalist Alpha Media Holdings (AMH) MHLANGA sparked a wide condemnation of the opposition parties in Zimbabwe, who described this step as a flagrant attack on the freedom of the press and democratic values.
MHLANGA, who was arrested on Monday and was charged with two charges that contradict Article 164 of the Criminal Code (blogging and reform), is still in prison after the bail was postponed until Friday, February 28, 2025, at 12 noon.
Stand in the judge, Marewanazvo Gofa said that the delay is due to the absence of Judge Farai Gwatima due to a funeral.
The arrest of MHLANGA stems from allegations that he transmitted data messages inciting violence, based on statements claiming to be made by a member of the Zanu PF Central Committee and the warriors of the blessed liberation war during press conferences on January 27 and February 11, 2025.
The opposition parties said that these charges were widely criticized as an attempt to silence the monetary press and suppress freedom of expression.
The National Front (TPF) strongly condemned the MHLANGA prison, describing it as a rude attack on the freedom of the press.
“TPF is horrific and angry from the Blessed Journalist MHLANGA prison, a rude attack on the freedom of the press and a blatant reminder of the Zimbabwe government war on the press.”
NCUBE invoked the words of the French philosopher Albert Camus, saying: “The duty of the press is to spread the truth, and the duty of the government is to protect the truth. However, in Zimbabwe, the government appears to be hell to suppress the truth, using every tool at its disposal to silence the Apostles.”
He also criticized the police of the Zimbabwe Republic (ZRP) for its selective application of the law.
“ZRP once again showed her tendency to target journalists, while allowing criminals to steal and other serious crimes to wander. This distorted priority and blatant ignorance of the rule of law undermine the foundations of our democracy.”
TPF called for the immediate release of MHLANGA, ending the harassment of journalists, and concrete steps by the government to protect freedom of the press.
NCUBE also called on the international community to condemn the actions of the Zimbabwe government, quoting the Nobel Prize winner, who said: “The free press is not a luxury, but it is a necessity, for a democracy that works.”
The Republic of the Republic of Mthwakazi (MRP) also condemned the arrest of MHLANGA, describing it as a reflection of the Zanu PF system for democratic values.
“MRP strongly condemns the arrest and harassment of journalist Al -Baraka MHLANGA by ZRP. This blatant attack on the freedom of the press and the rule of law is a blatant reminder to contempt for the Zano PF system of democratic values ​​and human rights,” said MRP Monisi Gumbo spokesman.
Gombo said that MRP demands the immediate release of MHLANGA and ending the harassment of journalists and opposition leaders.
He said: “We call on the international community to condemn these measures and hold the Zanu-PF system for their blatant ignorance of human rights and the rule of law.”
MHLANGA’s arrest is the latest in a series of incidents targeting journalists and opposition figures in Zimbabwe with critics who argue that the government is using the legal system to intimidate and silence the opposition’s voices.
TPF and MRP called on the international community to take a position against the actions of the Zimbabwe government.
NCUBE quoted Martin Luther King Jr.
Gombo chanted this feeling.
“MRP will continue in solidarity with journalists, opposition leaders and all those fighting for democracy, freedom and justice in Zimbabwe.” quote
