Zimbabwe
AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER ZIMBABWE
SECTOR 1: Freedom of expression, including freedom of the media, are effectively protected and promoted.
1.1

Freedom of expression, including freedom of the media,
is guaranteed in the constitution and protected by
other pieces of legislation.

ANALYSIS:
Section 20 (1) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe says: “No person
shall be prevented from exercising his or her freedom of expression,
which includes the freedom to hold opinions and to receive and/or
communicate ideas and information without interference.” Clause
2 of the same section, however, provides that freedom of expression can be limited if it is necessary
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in the interest of defence, public safety and economic
interest of the state, public morality/ public health;
to protect the independence of courts and parliament;
to protect the freedoms and reputation of others.

These statutory limitations are not permissible “as far as that provision … is shown not to be reasonably justifiable in a democratic
society”. This means that the individual seeking to assert the right
to freedom of expression must prove that a particular restriction is
not justifiable.
Freedom of the press and/or the media is not expressly guaranteed.
Pieces of legislation restricting the right to freedom of expression
include but are not limited to the Public Order and Security Act
Chapter 11:7 (POSA), the Access to Information and Protection of
Privacy Act Chapter 10:27 (AIPPA), the Broadcasting Services Act
African Media Barometer - Zimbabwe 2006

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