Press Freedom as a Constitutional Right
Safety of journalists and the enjoyment of Freedom of expression
Press freedom is a cornerstone of a democratic governance and an essential right for the
functioning of any open society. It enables citizens to access information, hold leaders
accountable, and participate meaningfully in public life. A free press ensures transparency and
nurtures trust between the state and its people.
In Zimbabwe, the Constitution of 2013 guarantees freedom of expression and freedom of the
media under section 61. In principle, this provision is aligned with international human rights
instruments such as Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
(ICCPR) and Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights, both of which
Zimbabwe is a party to. Yet despite these guarantees, human rights violations data produced by
the Zimbabwe Peace Project presents a wide gap between guaranteed freedoms and realities of
citizens and journalists in Zimbabwe. Instead of operating in an environment that encourages
free expression and accountability, journalists often find themselves working in a climate of fear,
harassment and intimidation.
Constitutional rights only have meaning when they are realized in practice. For press freedom to
thrive, journalists must be able to operate without fear of reprisal. When laws are misapplied,
when state authorities use force to silence dissent, and when media professionals are persecuted
for carrying out their duties, the constitutional promises become hollow.
The Safety and Protection of Journalists
The safety of journalists is central to ensuring press freedom. Journalists perform the crucial task
of informing the public, scrutinizing government actions, and amplifying the voices of the
marginalized. For the watchdog role to be meaningful, they must be protected from violence,
intimidation, and arbitrary arrests.
A conducive media environment is not merely the absence of physical harm but also includes the
assurance that journalists can investigate, write, and report without undue interference.
Journalists should be able to grow professionally, access information freely, and publish stories
that reflect the truth without looming threat of harassment. Protection also extends to digital
spaces, as journalists increasingly rely on online platforms to reach wider audiences.
In Zimbabwe this ideal remains elusive. While safety is paramount in principle, journalists often
operate in an environment where they must constantly self-censor, tiptoe around sensitive issues,
or risk retribution for their reporting. This atmosphere undermines both their personal security
and the integrity of their work.