Desist from attacking media practitioners and activists and align provisions of existing laws on the right to freedom of opinion and expression with international standards. Amend Sections 31 and 33 of the Criminal Law Code, 2007; Section 14 of the Public Health (COVID-19 Prevention, Containment and Treatment) (National Lockdown) Order, 2020; Section 13 and 14 of Censorship and Entertainment Controls Act, 1967. According to the State of Media Report in Zimbabwe 2020, there were 52 reports of assault, harassment, arrest, and detention of journalists — up from 28 in 2019. 1 In June 2020, freelance journalist Godfrey Mtimba was arrested on allegations of undermining the authority of the President pursuant to Section 33 of the Criminal Law Code.2 Between 2020 and 2021, journalist and critic, Hopewell Chin’ono was arrested and charged to court under section 31 of the Criminal Law Code on allegations of communicating false information, inciting public violence and obstruction of justice through online posts.3 Immediately halt the practice of implementing internet shutdowns and any other arbitrary actions that limit access to the internet. Ensure that any restrictions on internet access, online expression, assembly and association are consistent with international and regional human rights standards. On 6 July 2016, amidst online campaigns under the hashtag #ThisFlagMovement which challenged the rampant abuse of state resources and corruption, the Zimbabwean government temporarily blocked access to the instant messaging application WhatsApp.4 In January 2019, Zimbabwe experienced a second restriction to access to social media platforms and major websites following public protests against a 150% increase in fuel prices.5 The Zimbabwe High Court later ruled that the state-initiated internet shutdown was illegal6 following a case filed by the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) and Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR).7