On May 7, journalist Blessed Mhlanga was granted provisional release from prison. He had been detained for 72 days after being arrested and charged with ‘transmitting data messages that incite violence or damage to property’ on February 24. Prior to his arrest, he had interviewed a war veteran and former senior member of the ruling Zanu-PF party, who criticized President Mnangagwa. The Zimbabwean authorities must drop all charges against Blessed Mhlanga as his prosecution is unjust and in contravention of Zimbabwe’s constitutional and international obligations to respect and uphold the rights to freedom of expression and press freedoms.
PLEASE TAKE ACTION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE UNTIL: September 18, 2025
Dear Honorable Loyce Matanda-Moyo,
I welcome the news that journalist, Blessed Mhlanga, was provisionally released from detention on May 7. However, I am writing to express grave concern about the unjust prosecution he has been subjected to.
Blessed Mhlanga’s unjust prosecution violates his right to freedom of expression.
I therefore call on you to act immediately and drop all charges against Blessed Mhlanga. I further urge you and the authorities to uphold and ensure respect for the human rights of everyone in the country including the rights to freedom of expression and media, as enshrined in Zimbabwe’s Constitution and the country’s international human rights treaties that Zimbabwe is signatory to.
Yours sincerely,
[YOUR NAME]
Other Urgent Actions for this Case
- First UA Issued: [Zimbabwe 29.25]
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