A court in Zimbabwe refused to give bail to Blessed Mhlanga, a journalist working for Heart and Soul Television. He was arrested after interviewing a member of the ruling party who asked President Emmerson Mnangagwa to resign. The court believes that the comments made in the interview could cause violence and unrest in the country.
Blessed Geza, the party official who made the remarks, said Mnangagwa should “leave in peace” or face actions from the people based on the law. Police are also trying to arrest Geza, who has gone into hiding, and they have detained his wife.
Trevor Ncube, the chairman of Alpha Media Holdings, which owns Heart and Soul Television, said it is unfair and heartbreaking that Mhlanga is still in jail. He believes that Mhlanga was just doing his job as a journalist, which is protected by the law. Ncube expressed concern that the court does not respect freedom of expression and press freedom. He said, “Sadly, President Mnangagwa controls the courts, military, and police, so they can do whatever they want.”
Mhlanga will return to court on March 14.
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