A Zimbabwean journalist appeared in court on Tuesday on charges of inciting violence after interviewing a ruling party critic who openly called for President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s resignation.
Blessed Mhlanga, a well-known journalist with the online Heart and Soul Television channel (HStv), was arrested on Monday, sparking renewed concerns over press freedom and government intolerance toward dissent.
Nationwide Manhunt and Allegations of Incitement
Authorities launched a nationwide search for Mhlanga following interviews he conducted with Blessed Geza, a vocal critic within the ruling Zanu-PF party, on January 27 and February 11.
Geza, a veteran of Zimbabwe’s liberation war, stated during the interviews that Mnangagwa should step down and criticized reported attempts within Zanu-PF to amend the constitution, potentially allowing the president to seek a third term.
Police have also been searching for Geza, who has reportedly gone into hiding. Prosecutors accused Mhlanga of inciting violence through the interviews and requested that he be held for 72 hours to prevent potential interference with witnesses.
Legal Defense and Condemnation
Mhlanga’s lawyer, Chris Mhike, dismissed the charges as baseless and politically motivated.
“What happened to press freedom in this country? It is painful to stand in court defending a journalist’s right to free expression,” Mhike told the magistrate’s court in Harare.
Amnesty International has condemned Mhlanga’s arrest, calling for his immediate release and the dismissal of all charges.
“Journalism is not a crime. Media practitioners should be able to do their work without fear of reprisals,” the rights group stated on social media.
The Zimbabwe National Editors’ Forum also voiced strong opposition to the arrest, describing it as harassment of a journalist fulfilling his duty to inform the public.