The government has banned the works of prominent artist Owen Maseko which depict 1980s atrocities committed by a Zimbabwean army unit. An estimated 20,000 civilians, mostly supporters of opposition movement the Zimbabwe African People’s Union (ZAPU), were killed by the notorious Fifth Brigade. Maseko’s paintings were banned under the Censorship and Entertainment Act because the censorship authority claimed they were “offensive” and “tribal”. Police stormed the Zimbabwe National Gallery, where the works were on display, covered them in newspaper, and arrested Maseko. The artist was arrested and charged under laws that prohibit insulting or demeaning President Mugabe.
NEWS
Zimbabwe: Government bans “offensive” paintings
The government has banned the works of prominent artist Owen Maseko which depict 1980s atrocities committed by a Zimbabwean army unit. An estimated 20,000 civilians, mostly supporters of opposition movement the Zimbabwe African People’s Union (ZAPU), were killed by the notorious Fifth Brigade. Maseko’s paintings were banned under the Censorship and Entertainment Act because the censorship authority […]
By Intern
31 Aug 10
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