05 March 2025
The Living Together Institute strongly condemns the unjust arrest and detention of journalist Blessed Mhlanga and calls for his immediate and unconditional release.
Mhlanga, a respected investigative journalist, was detained under circumstances that raise serious concerns about press freedom, media independence, and human rights in Zimbabwe. His arrest is part of a troubling pattern where journalists and human rights defenders are targeted for exposing corruption, reporting on governance issues, and holding those in power accountable.
This incident follows a history of similar cases in Zimbabwe, where media professionals such as Hopewell Chin’ono, Jeffrey Moyo, and Mduduzi Mathuthu have been harassed, arrested, or subjected to intimidation tactics designed to silence dissenting voices. The continued persecution of journalists directly violates Section 61 of the Zimbabwean Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression and media independence.
We call on the Zimbabwean authorities to:
- Immediately release Blessed Mhlanga and drop any politically motivated charges against him.
- End the harassment and intimidation of journalists who are exercising their constitutional rights.
- Ensure a free and safe environment for media practitioners, in line with regional and international human rights obligations.
The Living Together Institute urges regional and international human rights organizations, media watchdogs, and civil society groups to take urgent action in amplifying this issue and pressuring authorities to respect press freedoms. A free and independent press is the foundation of democracy, and any attack on journalists is an attack on the right of citizens to access truthful and unbiased information.
We will continue to monitor this case and stand in solidarity with all journalists and human rights defenders facing persecution.
#FreeBlessedMhlanga #PressFreedom #HumanRights