Zimbabwe 'to scrap repressive media law'

BBC.COM | Wednesday February 13, 2019 17:17

 

The Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act has been the leading weapon in stifling media freedom.

During former President Robert Mugabe’s rule it was used to arrest journalists and shut down newspapers.

It places restrictions on media ownership and who can be employed as a journalist.

Parliament is expected to introduce three new laws to replace it.

The change is part of the package of political reforms that President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government has promised to implement to improve relations with the West.

Critics says the government has dragged its feet in changing laws that violate the constitution adopted in 2013.