SECTOR 1 One panellist argued: “Zimbabwe has a good environment for freedom of expression. But the big issue is freedom after expression. Freedom of Expression is circumstantial, and we have people that do a great deal of self-censoring.” A journalist contextualised the conflict that exists with regards to journalists’ freedom of expression in the eyes of citizens. “I used to write for the Daily News, and when I wrote a critical piece, people would call me and warn me not to be critical, but when I wrote a piece that was seen as pro-government, those same people would call and question my pro stance.” To some extent, however, journalists continue to be critical. One panellist argued, “There is freedom of expression to some extent. You see pieces that are critical of the First Lady, and journalists are not arrested for this. This is indicative that freedom of expression is there.” Reference was also made to how playwrights and other artists are able to express themselves, even when critical of government. “There is free expression, although there are obstacles. For example, some laws can be used when going ‘below the belt’ with criticism.” For Zimbabwean citizens, “the issue of fear is especially real”. “People are scared. There is intense fear and people are afraid. Even preaching in church or speaking at conferences, there is definitely fear.” Panellists noted that this is especially the case during election periods. “Freedom of expression is seasonal! Towards elections, there are certain things you can’t freely express, but in between, it’s slightly different.” One panellist posited that this high level of fear is more potent for citizens because they have less protection from abuse than journalists might have. “Being journalists provides some cushioning because if they touch you, the whole world will know. But citizens don’t have the same benefit.” Where criticism is directed from also plays a role, as seen in social media circles where “locals don’t say much on social media, but those abroad do. Selfcensorship is rife even on social media and in social circles. You always want to know whose around you.” For instance, after the Baba Jukwa incident, many people closed their social media accounts and distanced themselves from his profile.2 2 14 Baba Jukwa” (Shona for “Jukwa’s father”) was a Facebook page which became very popular in the lead-up to the 2013 harmonised elections as it dished out a steady stream of secretive operations by the ruling party, including murder, assassination and corruption plots, voter intimidation and vote-rigging. AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER ZIMBABWE 2015