MISA ANNUAL REPORT 2020 ONLINE ENGAGEMENTS 1. Safety of journalists key to access to information for all- 4 May 2020 Discussion focused on the threats to the safety and security of journalists in Zimbabwe broadly and more specifically during the COVID-19 pandemic in Zimbabwe. This was in commemoration of World Press Freedom Day. On day of reporting, the discussion had 2,700 views on the Open Parly ZW Facebook page. 2. Cybersecurity and Data Protection Bill: Implications on media freedom A discussion was also held on the 21st of May 2020, discussing the implications of the Cybersecurity and Data Protection Bill on media freedom in Zimbabwe. On the day of reporting, this discussion had 2,500 views on the Open Parly ZW Facebook platform. Clause by clause : Cybersecurity and Data Protection Bill On the 9th of June 2020 another online discussion was conducted which focused on the Cybersecurity and Data Protection Bill through OpenParly ZW. This was a clause by clause discussion on the Bill by MISAZimbabwe Legal and ICT Policy Officer. On the day of reporting, the online discussion had 7,400 views. 3. Journalism in Covid-19 times This discussion focused on the challenges that journalists in Zimbabwe were facing during Covid-19. MISA Zimbabwe detailed the increase in media violations which included arrests, detention, harassment, and assault of journalists. This was stemming from the fact that journalists had not been specifically mentioned as providers of essential service, and were being accused of violating lockdown regulations although this was later rectified through an amendment. The other issues also pertained to the use of expired accreditation cards which had 27 https://zimbabwe.misa.org