Grahamstown — The governments of Zimbabwe and Mozambique have come in for sharp criticism for their repressive approach to the media in the latest edition of the Commonwealth Press Union's broadsheet "CPU News".
The paper, which is distributed world-wide, led its 12-page February rendition with a story highlighting increased attacks on reporters and media across the globe.
Thirty-seven journalists died last year, up from 24 in 2000, according to the New York-based Committee for the Protection of Journalists, which in the 1980s assisted South African journalists who were detained and harassed while reporting the anti-apartheid revolts.
CPU News reported that about 500 journalists were arrested and 700 attacked last year. This was according to Paris-based lobby group Reporters Sans Frontiers.
Reporters Sans Frontiers had said: "2001 was significantly more dangerous for media workers than the year before,." While Nigeria's civilian government was patted on the back for reducing levels of harassment against the media, the sharp increase of media harassment in Mozambique and Zimbabwe was prominently reported on.
CPU News led with a photograph of assassinated Mozambican investigative journalist Carlos Cardoso who is still being sued for R780 000 in a shambolic defamation case brought by Nhimpine Chissano, son of the Mozambican President.
Cardoso, a flamboyant anti-apartheid crusading journalist, was well known to many South African journalists during the 1980s.
The paper reports that Cardoso's two children, the eldest of whom is 12, could face financial ruin if they lose the case which revolves around pieces written by Cardoso.
Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters
Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox
The case has prompted a wave of international protest with Swedish ambassador to Tanzania, Sten Rylander, calling the law suit "deplorable".
In report following his visit to Zimbabwe in late January, CPU executive director Mark Robinson slated the Mugabe government for its effort at "stifling the press" using "draconian" laws.
He also reported on threats and intimidation against the Zimbabwean media, citing the bombing of the Daily News, government roadblocks where journalists were denied entry, and bans against foreign journalists covering the election.
However, he said it was "heartening" to see that most Zimbabwean journalists did not appear to be deterred by the climate of repression.
He said many Zimbabwean journalists drew "considerable comfort" from the international media focus on the Zimbabwean election.
Most Zimbabwean journalists and others he spoke to "expressed considerable doubts" that the election would be free, fair, and run "through a transparent process".
However, they all wanted the event to run its course.
