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Statement on the closure of ANZ

15 September, Media Monitoring Project Zimbabwe MMPZ

The government’s forced closure of the offices and printing press of the Associated Newspapers of Zimbabwe (ANZ) represents the climax of the Zanu PF led Government campaign to muzzle alternative opinion using the ill-fated Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA).


www.mmpz.org.zw

The ANZ, which publishes The Daily News and The Daily News on Sunday, was shut down on Friday 12th September 2003 after the Supreme Court ruled that it had to register with the Media & Information Commission (MIC) for its case to be heard in the Supreme Court. ANZ is challenging the constitutionality of sections of AIPPA.

MMPZ condemns this campaign against freedom of expression orchestrated by the state using repressive legislation.

The Daily News is the latest casualty of AIPPA and government’s undemocratic and unjust media policy.

Several community newspapers have stopped publishing because of the punitive registration requirements in Statutory Instrument 169C/2002 (Chapter 10:27) of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy (Registration, Accreditation and Levy) Regulations of June 2002. In addition, several foreign correspondents have been denied the right to practice in the country using the same regulations. The broadcasting sector is no different. Joy TV ceased operations on legal grounds. No alternative broadcasters have since been licensed.

The latest event serves as a clear indication to the people of Zimbabwe that the laws that were hastily crafted under the guise of promoting freedom of expression rights were actually meant to muzzle rather than promote these rights. MMPZ believes these rights can be reclaimed if Parliament considers a total revision of the policy objectives of AIPPA and its content.
Ends

For more information, contact the Project Coordinator, 15 Duthie Avenue, Alexandra Park, Harare, Tel/fax: +263 4 703702, E-mail: monitors@mweb.co.zw