The launch of the first new independent domestic Zimbabwean newspaper in 17 years was disrupted by Harare police on Friday (4 June). Shortly before the first edition of NewsDay was due to be delivered to newstands around Harare, the newspaper’s marketing manager, Linda Msika, was arrested along with distribution staff and vendors. Police officers were allegedly unhappy that NewsDay — given a publishing license by the Zimbabwe Media Commission last week — was to give away Friday’s edition for free. After being detained for several hours, staff members were released without charge, and the distribution of the newspaper was allowed to proceed. NewsDay, owned by the independent Alpha Media Holdings group, is expected to offer a counterpoint to Harare’s two state-owned, pro-government newspapers.
NEWS
Zimbabwe: Police disrupt newspaper launch
The launch of the first new independent domestic Zimbabwean newspaper in 17 years was disrupted by Harare police on Friday (4 June). Shortly before the first edition of NewsDay was due to be delivered to newstands around Harare, the newspaper’s marketing manager, Linda Msika, was arrested along with distribution staff and vendors. Police officers were allegedly […]
08 Jun 10
READ MORE
-
The week in free expression: 29 March–4 April 2025
Index rounds up of some of the key stories covering censorship and free expression from the past seven days
-
Has Donald Trump’s hit list been inspired by Viktor Orbán’s?
As the US president continues his attacks on universities and the media, it’s worth noting that a democratic leader has done this before
-
President Museveni’s crackdown on Ugandan TikTokers
Social media spaces are shrinking as freedom of speech is further eroded in Uganda, leaving no safe haven for critical thoughts
-
The freedom to travel is becoming a privilege, not a right
Countries once considered liberal are increasingly denying dissenters entry at their borders