been duly authorised by the Zimbabwe Media Commission pending
the issuance of new accreditation cards.
4. Internet Freedoms and Freedom of Expression
This discussion explored the state of freedom of expression in Zimbabwe
especially online. This focused on the existent legislative provisions
and how they impact exercise of internet rights and or digital rights.
Izaak Minnaar also shared insights on the existent international
standards and best practices while Hlengiwe Dube discussed some of
her findings in the report she contributed to on Freedom of Expression
in the Southern African Region during Covid-19 times.
5. Elections, Internet Governance and Digital Rights
In 2020, several countries in Southern Africa had presidential
elections lined up. In June 2020, Malawi had had its own elections
while Tanzania had also scheduled it’s elections for October 2020.
This discussion was therefore timely and critical as it explored issues
relating to freedom of expression, media diversity, hate speech and
misinformation. Media and Elections Consultant Izak Minnaar, also
shared critical insights on some existing international documents
guiding elections and digital rights.
6. Media Lawyers Network Webinar Series
MISA Zimbabwe in partnership with the International Senior Lawyers
Project conducted a webinar series to assist lawyers under the Media
Lawyers Network on strategic litigation to promote freedom of
expression. This discussion unpacked the precedence set by countries
from Europe and from a regional perspective, Cathrine Anite, a
member of the High Level Panel for Media Freedom also trained
the lawyers. Local lawyers like Chris Mhike and Advocate Brian
Hungwe were also among the discussants bringing relevance and
contextualizing the issues.
7. Media Lawyers Network Webinar Series
MISA Zimbabwe in partnership with the International Senior Lawyers
Project conducted a webinar series to assist lawyers under the Media
Lawyers on strategic litigation to promote freedom of expression. This
discussion unpacked the precedence set by countries from Europe
and from a regional perspective. Cathrine Anite, a member of the
High Level Panel for Media Freedom also trained the lawyers. Local
lawyers Chris Mhike and Advocate Brian Hungwe were also among
the discussants.

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