Zimbabwe: Journalist Pellagia Mpurwa Physically Assaulted During Political Rally
Location: Zimbabwe, LusakaDate: September 5, 2022
Journalist Pellagia Mpurwa was physically assaulted during a recent political rally in Gokwe and forced to delete footage by ruling party supporters. Zimbabwe authorities must investigate the brutal physical assault of Pellagia and her colleagues journalists working for private media outlets. Coalition For Women In Journalism (CFWIJ) calls to bring the perpetrators to justice and let the press report freely without fear of attack, while the country prepares to hold national elections scheduled next year 2023. CFWIJ reiterates to end impunity for crimes against journalists. All Political leadership must ensure that the press is free to report on matters of public interest.
On August 25, 2022, Zimbabwean journalist Pellagia Mpurwa, a reporter for online magazine Technomah was brutally injured allegedly by the ruling Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) party supporters, while covering and filming the opposition party rally organized by Nelson Chamisa, the leader of the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC). The country’s main opposition leader claimed his followers were attacked by ruling party supporters.
Pellagia was reportedly beaten and injured, causing her leg fracture. Journalist received medical treatment and filed a complaint at Chitekete police station. Pellagia and her colleagues sustained bruises and suffered subsequent body injuries.
The impunity for crimes against journalists remain high In Zimbabwe in recent years. Journalists' censorship also remains high. Journalists continue to face detention and arrest throw-out 2021-2022.
According to the 2022 World Press Freedom Index, Zimbabwe declined seven places lower than one year ago. It has previously been reported that press freedom in Zimbabwe was under attack exposing increased intimidation of media workers. Authorities harassed media workers and increased restrictions. The report noted that while some progress had been made, Zimbabwe had taken one step forward and two steps backwards. The report also noted that harsh laws are still in effect and when new laws have been adopted, their provisions are just as harsh as the ones they replaced..
Coalition For Women In Journalism reminds the government of its obligation to respect press freedom and constitutional rights. CFWIJ condemns the physical assault on journalists and urges authorities to address the following escalated violence and ensure a safe space for journalists to report freely.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.
If you have been harassed or abused in any way, and please report the incident by using the following form.